A new exhibition in London is drawing attention to the experiences of people with learning disabilities and autistic individuals who have been held in mental health hospitals. The event, taking place in Bethnal Green, brings together stories from those affected and their families, highlighting the challenges they face in securing appropriate care and returning to community life.

Organised by campaigners and relatives, the exhibition aims to raise awareness of ongoing concerns around inappropriate detention. Through photography, recorded testimonies and interactive displays, visitors are given insight into the realities of life inside these settings and the emotional toll on families.

Personal accounts form a central part of the exhibition, with families describing long periods of detention that were initially expected to be short-term. Some report that their loved ones experienced a decline in wellbeing during their time in hospital, with concerns raised about the suitability of care and the impact of restrictive practices.

Recent figures indicate that more than 2,000 people with learning disabilities and autistic individuals remain in such units across England, many due to a lack of suitable community-based support. Campaigners are calling for greater investment in local services, arguing that appropriate care closer to home could reduce reliance on hospital settings and improve outcomes for those affected.