Learning disabilities

A learning disability is a permanent condition. It affects a person’s ability to understand information, learn new skills or communicate. It can also affect how they manage daily living. A learning disability can be genetic. It could be due to illness or physical damage to brain development either before or during birth or as a young child.

Learning disabilities can be mild, moderate or severe. Some people with learning disabilities may also have other needs. Other needs may arise from physical disabilities, long-term health conditions, autism or mental health.

A diagnosis is the formal identification of learning disability. This is by a health professional such as a clinical psychologist. Having a diagnosis may be helpful for two reasons:

• It helps those with learning disabilities to understand why they may experience some difficulties and what they can do about them.

• It enables people to access services and support.

Please contact your GP if you would like more information or help with a diagnosis.

Healthcare and mental health

People with learning disabilities will need health care in the same way as everyone else. Some people with a learning disability will have additional health needs. For example, people with a learning disability are more likely to have epilepsy, they may need more support to understand information about their health and they may need help to communicate symptoms and concerns and to manage their health.

Anyone who is on their GP’s learning disability register can have a free health check once a year. You can ask to go on this register if you think you have a learning disability. For more information, visit www.nhs.uk (search ‘annual health checks’).

Useful contacts

Anxiety UK

Provides information and advice to anyone suffering from anxiety, or their families or carers. Tel: 0344 477 5774 Web: www.anxietyuk.org.uk

EasyHealth

Its website has over 300 leaflets, and some videos, about physical and mental health for people with learning disabilities. Web: www.easyhealth.org.uk

Health Swap app

An easy and fun way for people with a learning disability, and their parents or carers, to make positive changes to their lifestyle. It helps you find ways to eat more healthy food and to track activity whilst also improving your digital skills. Tel: 0333 121 2300 Web: www.dsactive.org.uk/healthy-living

Mencap

It is estimated that 40% of adults with a learning disability also have a mental health problem. Mencap can offer information and advice about mental health issues. Tel: 0808 808 1111 Web: www.mencap.org.uk (search ‘mental health’).

Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust

Runs learning disability services in Hampshire. Tel: 023 8087 4000 Web: www.southernhealth.nhs.uk (search ‘learning disability’).

Advocacy

An advocate is a person who supports and helps you to explain things. Advocacy is discussed in more detail later in this Guide, beginning on page 90.

Useful contacts

Advocacy People, The

An independent charity providing free, independent advocacy to help sort out issues or concerns you may have. This could be about your health and wellbeing or your health and social care services. Tel: 0330 440 9000 Web: www.theadvocacypeople.org.uk

Hampshire Advocacy Partnership

Provides independent advocacy for vulnerable adults and children in Hampshire who are not eligible for the commissioned advocacy services. Tel: 023 8078 3715 Web: www.hampshireadvocacy.org.uk

Staying safe from abuse or hate crime

If you are living with autism or Asperger’s, see the information beginning on page 74. Staying safe from crime and abuse is covered more generally in the ‘Protecting adults at risk’ section of the Guide, beginning on page 117.

Relationships and sex

• The British Institute of Learning Disabilities (BILD) has information about friendships and relationships, including sexual relationships, to support people to have a great life. Call 0121 415 6960 or visit www.bild.org.uk/

healthysexandrelationships

• Mencap has information and advice about relationships and sexuality, including a list of recommended resources. Call 0808 808 1111 (10.00am to 3.00pm, Monday to Friday) or visit www.mencap.org.uk (search ‘sexuality and relationships’). • Disability, Pregnancy & Parenthood, a user-led registered charity, promotes better awareness and support for deaf and disabled people during pregnancy and as parents. For more information, visit www.disabledparent.org.uk

Care technology

Care technology – sometimes called telecare – is equipment that can help to support people who wish to remain independent in their own homes and even when they are out in the community. It provides them, their carers, family and friends, with the reassurance that help is available to them in an emergency 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Care technology solutions are increasingly being used to help adults with learning disabilities.

See more information about care technology beginning on page 30.

Services, support and information

You can search Connect to Support Hampshire’s Community Directory for local groups, services and activities for people with a learning disability. Visit www.connecttosupporthampshire.org.uk/ directories (select ‘Choose your category’ then ‘Specific needs’ and ‘Learning disabilities’).

Useful contacts

British Institute of Learning Disabilities

Works with people and their families to help them get the support they need to lead their own lives, including sex and relationships. Tel: 0121 415 6960 Web: www.bild.org.uk

Down’s Syndrome Association

Helps people with Down’s Syndrome as well as their families and carers. Tel: 0333 121 2300 Web: www.downs-syndrome.org.uk

Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities

Works with people and their families to make their lives better. It has a free guide with tips on how to stay safe on social media and online. Web: www.learningdisabilities.org.uk/learning-

disabilities

Hampshire County Council

Services for adults with learning disabilities. Tel: 0300 555 1386 Web: www.hants.gov.uk (search ‘learning disabilities’).

Mencap

Provides support and information. You can also use its website to search for a Mencap group in Hampshire. Tel: 0808 808 1111 Web: www.mencap.org.uk

Portsmouth City Council

Services for adults with learning disabilities. Tel: 0300 123 4019 Web: www.portsmouth.gov.uk (search ‘learning disability’).

Southampton City Council

Tel: 023 8083 3003 Web: www.southampton.gov.uk/health-social-

care/adults