In England there are approximately 1.3 million people with a learning disability. People with a learning disability (LD) may take longer or need more support to develop new skills, understand information or communicate with people. The level of support needed will be individual to the person and depend on whether someone has a mild to profound learning disability (Mencap, 2023).
Misconceptions and negative attitudes can be a barrier to people with a disability living the lives they want (Dixon et al., 2018).
(Royal College of Nursing, 2023) (Mencap, 2023) (University of Nothamptom, 2018).
Visit here: www.mencap.org.uk/blog/meet-myth-busters to meet 18 different people with LD who are busting the myths!
How We Can Support You
Staff Training
All our staff have completed or in the process of completing The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism which is the standard training for health and social care staff in line with The Health Care Act 2022 (Health Education England, 2023).
Learning Disability Register
Yourself/ nominated family member or carer can contact the surgery to find out if you are on the LD register.
If you are not, you can ask to be added.
If you need to make an appointment with your GP or Nurse, you can tell them about your LD and what kind of support you need.
Anyone of any age and any level of disability can join the learning disability register and get extra support. You can join the register, even if you live on your own or receive little support in your everyday life.
Easy To Read Guide: Joining the Disability Register www.mencap.org.uk/easyread/join-the-learning-disability-register
Reasonable Adjustments
If you are on the LD register, you can ask for support to make appointments easier such as:
Longer appointments
Easy read information
Use of the quite room in any of our surgeries, whilst waiting for your appointment
Vaccinations
People on the learning disability register can get a free flu vaccinations and Covid booster vaccines.
Easy to Read Guide: Vaccines www.mencap.org.uk/easyread/vaccines
Annual Health Checks
From the Age of 14 anyone with an LD is entitled to a annual health check, watch the video to find out more.
Screening: Cervical Smears
This week is also cervical smear awareness week, Anyone with a cervix (aged 25 to 64) is eligible to attend cervical screening. Watch the video below to hear Jodie’s story, we have made longer appointments available at your request.
More information and support
Community Learning Disability Team (kentcht.nhs.uk)
Disability Medway Network CIC | Facebook
Activities
G.Beatz Nightclub CIC | Gillingham | Facebook
Discounted Cinema Ticket www.ceacard.co.uk/
M.A.P.S.- Mark’s Activity Programme Service (mapsactivityprogrammes.co.uk)
Choice Support | Kent, Medway and Essex
https://www.facebook.com/MusicManProject/
Parent and Carer Support
www.medway.gov.uk/info/200312/social_care_for_children_and_young_people_with_send
Education Advice
www.medway.gov.uk/info/200309/education
www.family-action.org.uk/what-we-do/children-families/send/medway-sendias/
Medway’s SEND Team on [email protected] or phone 01634 331 123