My Life My Choice

Who we are

Who we are

My Life My Choice (MLMC) raises the self-esteem and quality of life for people with learning disabilities by providing volunteering, training, employment and social opportunities for its members. This disadvantaged group face multiple levels of deprivation and the charity works to help its members to combat isolation and to lead more fulfilling lives.

We are the only independent, user-led, self-advocacy organisation (all 15 trustees have learning disabilities) of its kind in Oxfordshire. The membership, spread throughout the county, has doubled in number over the last 5 years to 753.

Vision - Our vision is a world where people with learning disabilities are treated without prejudice, and are able to have choice and control over their own lives.

Our mission is threefold:

1. To make sure that there is independent support for people with learning disabilities in Oxfordshire to have their say, claim their rights and to take control of their own lives.
2. To make sure that the views of people with learning disabilities are taken seriously by both professionals in the services they use and the wider public.
3. To “Power Up” their lives so they can make a positive contribution to society.

Projects include:

• Travel buddy – a project whereby adults with learning disabilities are paid to support their peers to travel independently using public transport, bicycle, or on foot

• Power Up – a team of paid people with learning disabilities are supported to conduct research, campaigns, inspections, consultancy and training for peers and professionals

• Gig Buddy - volunteers support people to get out & take part in activities they enjoy. A user-led nightclub and the Health Buddy project form part of this work

• Computer Buddy – providing free devices for those without and training support for these and others

• Monthly self-advocacy groups where members meet their friends, discuss their lives, speak up, and gain new knowledge/skills

• Champions who lobby, campaign and act as consultants on local and national committees/forums in order to impact on policy and good practice.