‘In the group I have a voice, and parents’ voices get heard’: Exploring the experience of accessing peer support for parents with learning disabilities

Le résumé fourni par la source

Over recent decades, there has been increased recognition of parents with learning disabilities’ rights to a good quality, meaningful life. However, these parents face many challenges such as stigma, socio-economic disadvantages, and less intergenerational support. In recent years, the UK has been impacted by local authority funding cuts which has led to a reduction in support available for parents with learning disabilities. There is a wealth of research exploring peer support for different groups of people. However, little is known about this type of support for parents with learning disabilities. Given what is known about the lack of support available for parents with learning disabilities, the hardships they face and the benefits of peer support for other groups, there is value to exploring the experience of accessing peer support for parents with learning disabilities. This study aimed to understand how parents with learning disabilities experience the process of engaging with peer support with other parents with learning disabilities, and what the perceived benefits and challenges may be. Eight participants who attend peer support groups for parents with learning disabilities completed a semi-structured interview. Results from reflexive thematic analysis revealed 12 sub-themes and five overarching themes: ‘wider context around support for parents with learning disabilities’, ‘the group is a safe place’, ‘being a part of the group provides a sense of belonging’, ‘being a part of the group provides a sense of purpose’ and ‘group provides platform for empowerment’. The findings highlight numerous benefits experienced by these parents as a result of attending these peer support groups including experiences of safety, connection, belonging, personal growth, purpose, and empowerment. The findings reveal the main challenge is a lack of funding, which adds emotional strain to group members and uncertainty about the future of these groups. Clinical implications, methodological strengths and limitations and suggestions for future research are discussed.

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