The North East and North Cumbria Learning Disability Network was established in 2010 to improve the health and wellbeing of people with a learning disability and autistic people through collaboration, co production and shared learning across the system.

As part of the ICB reorganisation and move to a strategic commissioning operating model in May 2026, the Learning Disability Network no longer exists as a formal network.

Over many years, the Network has brought together people with lived experience, family carers, NHS organisations, local authorities, voluntary and community sector partners, and academic colleagues. Together, we have shaped programmes, influenced practice, supported workforce development and championed reasonable adjustments, quality improvement and safer care.

While the Network is closing, the learning, resources and commitments developed through this work remain important. You can access some of their work and resources through this page here.

We would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the Network over the years — particularly people with lived experience and family carers — whose insight, challenge and leadership have been central to everything the Network has stood for.

Although the Network is ending, the responsibility to act on what has been learned continues across the system.