Crime & Safety
My Life My Choice launches ground-breaking new film
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.
An eyewitness report from Littlemore, Oxford, said a fire broke out in a residential property around midday today, Sunday, May 17.
The eyewitness, a woman who did not want to be named, said fire engines reportedly attended the scene on Giles Road, just south of the Eastern Bypass Road.
READ MORE: Police update after man killed on Oxfordshire border
The residential road was said to be closed for more than two hours while the emergency incident was dealt with.
The woman said a ‘house was up in flames’, including the back garden of the property, and said she heard ‘popping sounds’ and it ‘smelt like battery acid’.
The road appeared to reopen at about 2.45pm the same day.
Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue and Thames Valley Police have been approached for information on this incident.
The charity is marking Mental Health Awareness Week by highlighting how issues like bereavement, illness, loneliness, caring responsibilities, and financial pressure can quietly but seriously affect wellbeing, particularly in later life.
Paul Ringer, CEO of Age UK Oxfordshire, said: “Many of the people we support wouldn’t say they’re struggling with their mental health.
“But worries about money, changes in health, caring for someone else, or going days without meaningful human contact can slowly build up.
“Over time, that can seriously affect wellbeing, confidence and how people feel about their lives.
“Acting early, with the right support, can make a real difference.”
The charity supports thousands of older people each year across Oxfordshire, helping them navigate life changes, reduce anxiety, and stay connected to their communities.
It offers practical help such as clear information and advice, support with accessing financial entitlements, and opportunities to join social activities and community groups.
Mr Ringer said: “Mental Health Awareness Week reminds us that action doesn’t have to be dramatic to be effective.
“Often, it’s about practical, everyday support – clear advice, help with a form, or feeling more connected to the community around you.
“These steps may seem small, but they can have a real and lasting impact.”
Age UK Oxfordshire is encouraging anyone concerned about an older person to start a conversation and help them access support early.
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.
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