Learning Disability Week: Achieving dreams through personalised financial support

This Learning Disability Week, we are hearing from Abi* and how Dosh has supported her to use her money to do the things she has always wanted to do.

This week, 16 to 22 June, is Learning Disability Week! The theme this year is ‘Do You See Me’, which is about people with a learning disability being seen, heard and valued in society.

A huge part of this is people with a learning disability having control and independence over their money. For many of us, we use a bank account and money to pay for things without a second thought. However, people with a learning disability face additional barriers when accessing their money. This can be due to lack of accessible information, assumptions surrounding mental capacity or difficulty navigating the benefits system.

At Dosh, we support people with a learning disability use their money in the way they want and for the things they enjoy. We do this through our financial advocacy and appointeeship service. Each Financial Advocate supports people with benefits, budgeting, banking, and much more.

Abi’s* Story

Dosh has supported Abi for a while, and Abi calls her advocate her “money man.” Through Dosh’s support, she has been able to use her money to reach her goals.

In December 2024, she was able to book two tickets to see her favourite football team, Arsenal, play in the Women’s Super League! Abi’s support team helped her book the tickets, and her Dosh ‘money man’ ensured she had enough money to purchase them.

Abi got the train to the stadium and met lots of Arsenal fans on her journey. She was also able to buy herself a scarf and drinks bottle from the merchandise store. To top the day off, Arsenal Women’s won the match 4-0!

She has really enjoyed the day out and would love to go again, it was amazing!

Abi’s adventures didn’t stop there! She also was able to visit the Coronation Street TV studios. Abi asked if her support staff could contact her ‘money man’ to make sure it would be okay for her to go – of course it was!

Abi and her support team got to work and found a coach trip for her to go on which included an overnight hotel and dinner. The process was straightforward and before you knew it, Abi was on her trip to the cobbles.

Abi described the trip as:

The time of my life.

Abi’s support staff commented how supportive and approachable Dosh are to Abi. They feel like they can contact Dosh with any queries to ensure Abi achieves her dreams. Without the support from Dosh to help manage her finances, these trips could not be possible. Abi sends a huge thank you to her ‘money man’!

Everyone at Dosh are so pleased for Abi, and we are so proud of her Dosh support team who could help make these amazing moments happen. This demonstrates how vital it is that people with a learning disability and their support circles receive the right support when it comes to finances.

People with a learning disability deserve to use their money, their way. Just like everyone else.

To learn more about our support or make a referral, please get in touch with us through the contact form at the bottom of this page.

*Name has been changed for privacy reasons