North Wales Celebrates Learning Disability Week with a Hiking and Biking Challenge

North Wales came together to celebrate Learning Disability Awareness Week (16th–22nd June 2025) with a fun and active hiking and biking challenge.

People from across the region took part—individuals, support services, and charities all got involved. The week was led by North Wales Together, and included brilliant groups like Conwy Connect, Llwybrau Lleisiant, Dal Dwylo, Outside Lives, Mencap Môn, Stand CIC North Wales, Cynnig, and the SWS group in Wrexham. All the groups involved have had support from the North Wales Regional Partnership Board and funding from the Regional Integration Fund (RIF). This support has helped make exciting projects like this possible.

This year’s theme, "Do You See Me", was all about making sure people with learning disabilities are seen, valued, and included. So, the groups organised a range of walking and cycling events in all six counties of North Wales.

Lots of people also joined a special Strava group to track how far they walked or cycled. It showed how far everyone could go together as a community.

Before the week began, Michelle Williams, Co-Chair of the North Wales Together Board and leader of The Flyers (a participation group for people with learning disabilities), said:

"The Flyers are excited and will be walking our socks off to raise awareness. We are lucky to have so many great organisations working together in North Wales to make things better for people with learning disabilities."

The week was full of energy and teamwork. From peaceful walks in nature to bigger bike rides, the activities were open to everyone, and focused on being accessible, empowering, and fun—leaving lasting memories for everyone involved. 

What Is North Wales Together?

North Wales Together: Seamless Services for People with Learning Disabilities is one of a number of regional projects funded by the North Wales Regional Partnership Board. It’s also called the Learning Disability Transformation Project. Its aim is to help children, young people, and adults with learning disabilities live happy, healthy, and independent lives.

The project works all year round. It supports better housing, more meaningful activities, useful technology, and Welsh language services. It brings together local councils, health services, charities, and people with lived experience to help make services work together smoothly and be person-centred.

Want to know more?
Get in touch at ldtransformation@flintshire.gov.uk or contact any of the groups involved.