Date posted March 2, 2026 Posted by Carly McConnell Reading Time 2 Minute(s)
This March, we are working with Durham and Sunderland Universities to offer specialist half day training using our film Us too: Alisha’s Story.
Durham 11th and 18th March
Newcastle 16th and 17th March
The film will be used to train police officers, frontline staff, and multiagency professionals whose roles involving working with and supporting service users.
Us Too: Alisha’s Story is a compelling film co-created with women from the #UsToo group in Devon and Cornwall. It brings to screen the real-life experiences of women with learning disabilities and/or autism who have reported sexual assault or rape. This powerful story challenges misconceptions and highlights the strength of resilience and the pursuit of justice.
These free training sessions, which will be delivered across Newcastle and Durham, are focused on developing best practice and will create space for professionals to reflect on the best approaches and support for people with learning disabilities and/or autism who report sexual violence.
Training is available in Newcastle and Durham on 11th, 16th, 17th and 18th March 2026. When you book your place below you can pick a day and location that works for you.
The film and training stems from Access To Juice, a piece of research conducted by Dr Alison Jobe and Dr Helen Williams, which is an evaluation of the experiences of people with learning disabilities who report rape or sexual assault. Through workshops delivered by Open Clasp, the women involved shared their experiences of reporting, and together we co-created the film.
Since 2022 Us Too: Alisha’s Story has been used to train over 200 professionals across Newcastle and Durham, and we are delighted it will continue to make change in 2026.
“I really enjoyed this training. It was eye opening and informative thinking about how we can improve out practice. This training should be delivered to all people involved in or working with people with learning disabilities.”- Participant, 2024
The training which will be rolled out in March we will examine the myths, prejudices, false stereotypes, and barriers that survivors with learning disabilities and/or autism often face when reporting sexual violence.
If this free training session sounds like something that would benefit your practice and increase your confidence in supporting survivors of sexual violence with learning disabilities and/or autism, you can book your free place below.
