What is Learning Disability Week?
Learning Disability Week is an annual initiative led by Mencap that shines a light on the lives, achievements and experiences of the 1.5million people in the UK with a learning disability. The 2026 theme, "Do You See Me?" calls on the public to recognise, value and truly listen to people with a learning disability.
At the heart of Learning Disability Week is a commitment to ensuring that people with learning disabilities are seen, heard and empowered to shape the future of their communities.
At ArtWorks, we believe in the power of creativity to foster inclusion. This year's programme has been produced through a collaboration across Sheffield's learning disabled services and Sheffield City Council. Our aim has been to produce a week of fun activities for local people to enjoy and to spark meaningful conversations about accessibility, belonging and social-change. Scroll down for the latest schedule and to get involved.
2026 SCHEDULE
All listings subject to change, please contact the relevant organisation for confirm details and timings.
Mon 15 June - Thurs 16 July
ArtWorks with
Blend Culinary Foundation
Blended:
Photography & visual art exhibition
Photography exhibition inspired by a cookery project with Blend Culinary Foundation, ArtWorks and Sheffield S6 Foodbank.
Open Mon-Thurs 8am-11pm /
Fri 8am-1am / Sat 9am-1am /
Sun 9am-10.30pm
Drop in, Free
Venue: Rooftop Garden, Cambridge Street Collective
Mon 15 June
Heeley City Farm Tours
Visit Sheffield's number 1 urban farm for tours and art workshops.
Open daily 9.00 - 4.00 pm.
Open: 1.00 - 3.00 pm
Free.
Drop In.
Mon 15 June
Sheffield Docfest
with ArtWorks Together International Festival
On Humans and Animals -
DocFest shorts
Relaxed screening
Three short films follow lives shaped by care and connection across farms, flights and fairs, where animals and humans share fragile bonds of growth, loss and belonging.
Times: 10.00 - 11.30 am
Cost: £3.00
Book online
Venue: The Showroom Cinema
Tues 16 June
Mencap and Gateway
Drop in for a game of football and/or boccia to celebrate your world class skills during the World Cup!
Everyone welcome!
Times: 10.00 - 1.00pm
Venue: SHU City Athletics Stadium, Woodburn Road, S9 3HL
Free. Drop In.
Accessible Football & Boccia
Mon 15 June
Sheffield DocFest
with ArtWorks Together
International Festival
Wild Futures: If animals
could talk....
Relaxed workshop
Did you know animals can travel by plane? Join us for a relaxed workshop to share your thoughts and feelings about the documentaries you have seen and to share your ideas and hear other people's through arts and craft activities.
Times: 12.00 - 1.15 pm
Cost: £5
Book online
Venue: The Showroom Cinema
Tues 16 June
Meersbrook Gardens
Open Gardens
Visit the gardens at Meersbrook run by Heeley City Farm.
Open: 10.00 - 2.30 pm
Free.
Drop In.
Tues 16 June
Farm Tours
+ Small animal handling
Visit the farm and meet the animals!
This hands-on animal handling session gives visitors the chance to meet, touch, and learn about a variety of farm animals, including rabbits, guinea pigs, goats, and chickens. A fun and interactive experience for all ages.
Times: 1.00 - 3.00pm
Ticketed only. Free
Book online at www.heeleyfarm.org.uk/event-details/learning-disability-week
Venue: Richard Road, Heeley, S2 3DT
Thurs 18 June
Under the Stars
Accessible nightclub
Under the Stars is the legendary accessible club night.
Come and dance the night away.
Times: 7.00 - 10.00 pm
Tickets on the door £5.
Venue: The Foundry, Sheffield Students Union, Western Bank, S10 2TG
Wed 17 June
Now You See Us
and "My Natural World"
Wed 17 June
NHS Barnsley with ArtWorks
ArtWorks & ArtWorks Together
LD Week Celebration
Health & Wellbeing
MarketPlace
Join us to celebrate LD Week with relaxed tours and art activities at the new ArtWorks exhibition by 14 Barnsley-based artists. The exhibition showcases paintings, drawings, sculpture and more in response to the 2026 LDWeek theme.
My Natural World is a display by students from Barnsley College.
Open: 1.00 - 3.00pm
Drop in, Free
Venue: Barnsley Civic Gallery, Eldon Street, Barnsley, S70 2JL
Drop in for easy-read information and advice on local health and wellbeing services that you can access to manage your health more confidently. From advice on stopping smoking, to help writing your health passport - come and chat to the friendly NHS staff.
Times: 12.00 - 5.00pm
Drop in, Free
Venue: ArtWorks, The Old Art School, 2nd Floor Barnsley Civic, Eldon Street, S70 2JL
Fri 19 June
Burton Street Foundation
Burton's Got Talent
LD Week Edition
A celebration of talent open to anyone who wants to watch or perform.
Times: 4.00 - 7.00pm
Free. Drop-In.
Venue: Bamforth Building, 110 Burton Street, Sheffield, S6 2HH
Sat 20 June
Heeley Festival
Live music, food stalls, kids and entertainment.
Changing spaces toilets on site.
Times: 12.00 - 8.00pm
Free. Drop-In
Venue:Richard Road, Heeley, S2 3DT
Sat 20 June
Percy Street Collective
Neepsend Pitstop
Urban Garden Launch
Visit Percy Street's latest garden venture, and help put some last finishing touches to this urban green-space. The event coincides with Kelham Island Pride.
Times: 2.00 - 4.00 pm
Free. Drop-In.
Venue: Neepsend Land (junction with Rutland Road), Sheffield, S3 8BZ
Lunch Club
Sun 21 Jun
Mencap and Gateway
Drop in for a tasty lunch and lots of good company!
Times: 11.00 - 2.00 pm
Drop-In. £4 entry includes light lunch
Venue: Norfolk Lodge, Park Grange Road, Sheffield, S2 3QF