Learning disabilities
If you are caring for someone with learning disabilities, you are not alone. About 1.5 million people in the UK have a learning difficulty, and many live with their families.
As a carer of someone with a learning disability, some of the issues that you may be concerned about will include:
- helping them to become as independent as possible
- their education and employment
- their health needs
Valuing People is the Government plan for how people with learning disabilities and their families should be supported.
You can keep up to date with what Oxfordshire is doing about valuing people at www.easywords.co.uk
Local support
- There are a number of organisations funded by Oxfordshire County Council (0845 050 7666) and Ridgeway Partnership (Oxfordshire Learning Disability NHS Trust - see contact numbers below) to provide health and social care support services for people who have a learning disability and their families/carers.
- Oxfordshire Learning Disability NHS Trust, 01865 747455, provides a range of health care and social support services for people who have a learning disability, and for their families/carers. There are three learning disability teams providing specialist advice and support to adults, aged 18 and over, who have a learning disability and to their carers: North Learning Disability Team 01295 257727; Oxford Learning Disability Team 01865 721510; South Learning Disability Team 01235 469615.
- If you are a parent of a child under 18 you can find out more information about services for children at Oxfordshire County Council. See information about children with disabilities and about services to support parent carers.
- Oxford Mencap provides support for people with learning disabilities and their carers.
- Parents Plus - a project within Oxford Carers' Centre, supporting parents caring for children with any disability, impairment or specific need 01865 726444
- Oxfordshire Friendship Scheme pairs trained volunteers with individuals giving them the opportunity to go out socially, swimming, ten-pin bowling, to the pub or shopping. 01993 772886 email: friendshipscheme@guideposts.org.uk
- My Life My Choice A self-advocacy organisation run by and for people with learning disabilities in Oxfordshire. 01865 204214
- Keen An organisation of Oxford & Oxford Brookes students and local people providing special events and recreational activities for children and young adults with special needs. 01865 286904
- Yellow Submarine Holidays A not-for-profit Oxfordshire organisation which provides respite for carers of people with learning disabilities. 01993822098.
National organisations
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