Learning Disability Support
Having a learning disability can involve a combination of many different problems, behaviours and difficulties. The nature of learning disabilities means that it is more likely that the person’s capacity to make safe decisions for themselves or for others is impaired.
People with learning disabilities often have capacity for making decisions in many areas of their lives. When supporting their decision making or assessing capacity, great care should be taken to listen to and communicate with the person with the learning disability.
When people with learning disabilities exercise choice in some aspects of their lives, they may come into conflict with the prejudices and anxieties of others. It is therefore important to work with the person and their parents or carers and the professionals in their lives, to ensure that their ‘best interests’ can be honestly determined and actually delivered.
The following are services available to support people with a learning disability in the Stevenage area.
Hertfordshire county council provide an array of support services for support those with a learning disability.
Stevenage Learning Disability Day Service – Leydon House:
- A range of activities catering to different interests, such as creative arts, theatre, sports, discos and social evenings.
- Opportunities to meet friends and take part in social events, promoting social interaction and connection.
- Opportunities to participate in community events and activities, promoting integration and engagement
Further information can be found here.
Step2Skills – Adult Community Learning:
- Learning and support services providing opportunity to all adults in Hertfordshire.
- Find education or employment through there Employment support projects
- Supports all adults including those with a Learning Disability
Purple Star Health Project:
- Works with local surgeries to provide better health outcomes for those with Learning Disabilities.
- Provides Purple Star folders which help people with Learning Disabilities maintain control over their own health.
- Accredits surgeries with the Purple Star Award, who work with them and work hard to give the best help to people with Learning Disabilities.
Mencap offer advice and information on areas such as everyday living, friendships and relationships, early years and children and health & wellbeing. Please visit their website here for further information.
