The film highlights the experiences of women with learning disabilities during the First World War and is the result of a 10-year research project led by self-advocacy charity My Life My Choice.

The findings reveal the often-overlooked contributions and resilience of women with learning disabilities who worked in munitions factories, laundries, domestic service, and other essential roles.

A spokesperson for My Life My Choice said: “Lived experience is essential.

“Our members helped guide the research, challenge assumptions, and make sure the stories were told in the right way.

“This project shows the power of people with learning disabilities leading their own history.”

The film features lived experience researchers – people with learning disabilities – who played a central role in uncovering and telling these stories.

Their involvement ensured that the research was shaped by firsthand insight, dignity, and respect.

The film premiered on Thursday, May 7 at an event attended by lived experience researchers, partners, supporters, and members of the community.

To uncover the stories, the team visited museums, archives, and historical collections, including the Imperial War Museum and the Oxford History Centre.

Records from the Mental Deficiency Committee, established in 1914, provided key evidence about the lives and treatment of women with learning disabilities.

These records revealed not only the vital work these women performed during the war, but also the stigma and discrimination they faced.

The film combines storytelling, performance, and historical research to bring these forgotten voices to life.

It is now available to watch online, along with other resources and materials developed through the wider project.

This project was made possible with support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

A spokesperson said: “Using money raised by National Lottery players, The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK’s heritage.

“Thanks to National Lottery players, My Life My Choice has been able to uncover and share these important stories, ensuring they are recognised and remembered.”

My Life My Choice is a self-advocacy organisation led by people with learning disabilities, supporting them to speak up, take part in research, influence change, and lead full and active lives.

More details about the project and a link to the filmed stories can be found at https://mylifemychoice.org.uk/researching-women-with-learning-disabilities-in-world-war-i/

For further information about My Life My Choice’s wider research and lived experience services, contact Yazz at yazz@mylifemychoice.org.uk or call 01865 204214.

The incident occurred on Grove Road in Sonning Common, and Oxfordshire village on the border with Reading, at about 11.20am on Friday, May 15.

Firefighters from Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue responded to a blaze on the road, sending crews from Reading stations Caversham Road and Whitley wood to the scene.

READ MORE: Police update after man killed on Oxfordshire border

On arrival, crews discovered a fire involving a power pylon.

One hose reel jet was used to extinguish the electrical fire before the crews handed the scene over the engineers from Scottish and Southern Energy, SSE.

The Berkshire firefighters remained at the scene for approximately one hour and 10 minutes before it was successfully extinguished and made safe.

The incident occurred on the A361 Banbury Road in Chipping Warden, close to Banbury, at about 8.30pm on Friday, May 1.

A BMW motorbike was travelling south on Banbury Road when it left the carriageway at the approach to Hogg End Road, coming to rest in the bushes.

READ MORE: Oxfordshire bakery has hundreds of pounds worth stolen

As a result of the single-vehicle collision, the rider of the motorbike, a man in his 40s, died at the scene.

Northamptonshire Police said two men were arrested following the tragic incident, both on suspicion of aiding and abetting causing death by dangerous driving and drink driving.

An update from the force released today, Sunday, May 17, said the two men, who are aged 41 and 34, have been released on police bail ‘pending further investigation’.

Officers from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit earlier asked anyone with information to come forward, quoting incident number 26000251842.