As a health observatory, our focus is on generating robust, multi-disciplinary and actionable research that contributes to a better understanding of the multiple determinants of health and wellbeing for people with learning disabilities. Alongside this we generate evidence about the efficacy of health and lifestyle interventions with the aim of improving health outcomes for people with learning disabilities.
In the context of our research programme, we will achieve impact by demonstrating our contribution to improving the health and wellbeing of people with learning disabilities, and contributing to the advancement of the scientific study to support this aim.
Through our programme of work, the Observatory aims to:
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Gillooly, A., P. Thompson, J. Bradshaw, et al. 2025. “ The Mental Health and Well-Being of Adults With Intellectual Disabilities During the COVID-19 Pandemic Across the UK: A Four-Wave Longitudinal Analysis.” Journal of Intellectual Disability Research 1–11. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jir.70006
This rapid review of the current evidence on mental ill health and learning/intellectual disabilities was commissioned by the Scottish Government to support the drive to improve the mental health and wellbeing of people with learning/intellectual disabilities in Scotland.
In this report, we have reviewed and updated the following guidelines from NICE:
Aaron is a researcher, student, and disability rights campaigner from West Lothian. He lives with cerebral palsy, autism, and a moderate learning disability. Aaron is currently studying for an HNC in Social Services at West Lothian College and will begin his HND in Childhood Practice in autumn 2026. His research involvement includes collaborations with universities across the UK and Europe, and he works closely with several third-sector organisations and the Scottish Government on projects focused on human rights, digital accessibility, and upcoming legislation such as the Human Rights Act and the Learning Disability, Autism and Neurodiversity Bill. Aaron was appointed to the National Care Service Advisory Board in early 2026. Aaron is really passionate about using his lived experience and the power of humour to break down the stereotypes and barriers in order to educate future healthcare professionals helping them truly understand the meaning behind the social model of disability, so they can see no person is the same as the next person. With the Scottish Learning Disabilities Observatory, he has worked as a project advisor on inclusive initiatives such as the This Is Me campaign and Research for Everyone project.
