Award winner (2025)13th June 2025
In a virtual arena that transcends geographical boundaries, Together for Change (T4C) has emerged as a powerful collective advocating for individuals with learning disabilities and autism across England. Co-chaired by passionate supported individuals, Matt Lester and Sui-Ling Tang, this dynamic group has grown steadily over the past two years, convening every eight weeks on Zoom to discuss vital issues impacting their lives, including friendship, public transport, voting rights, and digital inclusion.
We provide a platform for people to share their successes and issues in their lives. By asking people what they want to talk about we find speakers who can offer practical help and be an inspiration.
“We work together as a collective,” says Matt, embodying the spirit of unity that has led T4C to engage 60 self-advocates from 20 different organisations. The group has expanded in both ambition and size, driven by the shared desire to improve lives and services. Recently, T4C embraced a new identity with its own name, logo, and vision, marking a significant turning point in its journey.
Charter 4 Change
In the past year, T4C has focused on championing the rights of individuals with learning disabilities, taking a bold step towards creating a ‘Charter 4 Change’ aimed at benefiting supported people throughout England. “It will be a tool to use across organisations and bring people together,” states Sui-Ling, highlighting how this charter will serve as a blueprint for advocacy, collaboration, and respect.
Inspiration for T4C’s movements notably grew after a meeting with peers from the National Involvement Network(NIN) in Scotland. The encounter ignited a passion to replicate similar initiatives in England, and with their sights set on tangible change, the group emphasises the importance of collective action.
We want to work with everyone. We can make things happen and fight for our rights. People need to understand where we come from and respect everyone. We hope to get everyone involved and work with everyone in the disability world to make it good for people being supported.
Matt Lester
Ensuring representation
T4C’s recent initiatives include a bid to the National Lottery to fund face-to-face meetings across England, building on research from the ‘Our Lives’ project. In this project, 25 people with learning disabilities and autistic individuals were trained as peer researchers, interviewing 100 peers about their experiences—highlighting what’s good and what needs improvement. The findings, soon to be published, will underpin future advocacy efforts and community engagement.
Additionally, T4C begins every meeting with news from self-advocates, showcasing the incredible things members are doing. This tradition often sparks new ideas, meeting topics, and speakers. The co-chairs also engage with wider networks, such as the ARC England CEO Network, to raise awareness and recruit new members.
Amplifying voices
ARC England, the organization supporting T4C, actively seeks members’ feedback through surveys and informal evaluations conducted during meetings. These methods help gauge progress against ARC England’s strategy and ensure the group is responsive to supported people’s needs and aspirations.
Sui-Ling’s leadership extends beyond T4C, as she hosts the popular Sui-Ling Show and advocates for better support for relationships through the Supported Loving network. Her work exemplifies how individual advocacy contributes to collective change.
With its unified approach, ongoing projects, and a clear vision for a more inclusive future, T4C is committed to amplifying the voices of supported people, fostering collaboration, and championing their rights. Their dedication has earned them a nomination for the Learning Disability and Autism Leader Award, embodying the spirit that together, they can achieve meaningful, lasting change.