We fund two projects that are being carried out by CEDAR at the University of Warwick

The 1000 Families Study is a longitudinal study involving a large cohort of families of children with a learning disability living in the UK. The aim of the study is to explore the wellbeing of children with learning disability, siblings, caregivers, and families overall. Over 1000 families first took part between 2015 and 2017 (Wave 1). We then asked families to complete the survey again between 2018 and 2021 (Wave 2). Wave 3 is now underway, where families are asked to complete the survey again, with Wave 3 expected to continue until December 2022. Being able to follow up with as many families as possible is important, as we can explore how families experience change over time.

The Positive Family Connections Programme focuses on helping families to build positive relationships within their family, and is delivered online in six sessions. It was co-produced by family carers, and is designed for family carers of children with a learning disability, autism, or both. In the Positive Family Connections study, we will be testing out the co-produced programme with around 60 family carers to see if it will be possible to run a much larger study in the future. This is called a feasibility study. We are going to be running this study between 2022 and 2023.

Find out more about these studies