Our history
How did Building Bridges start?
Liz was the founder and chief executive of Options for Life, a voluntary organisation in Sandwell.
In 2004, Liz and a group of people with a learning disability took part in a co-training project lead by Bild – the British Institute of Learning Disabilities. The project was funded by the Lloyds Bank Foundation and paired experienced trainers with people who had lived experience of the topic. The project was a great success and became one of the early examples of co-training in action.
Following this, Liz and people with a learning disability started to co-deliver training for local university social work students. At Options for Life, they co-produced several resources, including an easy-read feedback form for social work students on placement.
When Liz later moved on from Options for Life, she asked some of the people she had worked with whether they wanted to continue this work and set up a new organisation together.
And the rest as they say is all history!
Nazia is the one who chose our great name – Building Bridges as we aim for our work to make a difference to people with a learning disability and to help bridge the gap so people can live safe, independent and full lives!
Our mission
We have over 17 years of experience of co-delivering services
Building Bridges Training was established as an independent social enterprise in 2008.
Our mission is to enable people with a learning disability to be fully included and have full and valued roles within their local community.
Our milestones
2008
Building Bridges Training started
2009
We became a registered Community Interest Company
2011
The Building Bridges Research Group started
2014—2018
Able to Include Project
2016
Started our easy read services
2021—2022
Co-delivered and co-produced materials for the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training Trial for Bild
2023
Contributed to a book, called “Rights in Practice; Stories of Citizenship”, about enjoying our rights.
2025
Awarded a grant with the University of Wolverhampton as part of the Research Better Together programme to deliver our chosen research project on reasonable adjustments.
Research presentations
The group have regularly delivered presentations about inclusive research and also presentations of their research findings at conferences. Recently, they presented their reflections on their school days at the Social History of Learning Disability conference at the Open University in 2025.
