Learning Disability

Support for People with Learning Disabilities in Emsworth, Hampshire

At Emsworth Surgery, we are committed to providing high-quality care and support for people with learning disabilities, their families, and carers.

This page provides information about the resources and services available to help people with learning difficulties lead a healthy, fulfilling life. We also explain the Annual Health Check provided by your GP and other helpful services from the NHS and charities.

What Are Learning Disabilities?

Learning disabilities are a broad range of conditions that affect how a person learns new things, including how they think, understand, and communicate, or other cognitive or developmental conditions.

People with learning disabilities may need additional support to manage their health, education, and daily living.

Annual Health Check for People with Learning Disabilities

As part of our commitment to ensuring people with learning disabilities receive appropriate healthcare, we offer an Annual Health Check to all registered patients who have a learning disability.

What is an Annual Health Check?

The Annual Health Check is a free service offered by your GP to help monitor and support the health of individuals with learning disabilities. It’s an important way to help identify potential health concerns early, provide advice and education about healthy living, and make sure all aspects of health are being looked after.

What Does the Annual Health Check Involve?

The Annual Health Check typically includes:

• A review of your overall health: Checking your physical and mental well-being, including any underlying conditions.
• Medication review: Ensuring that prescribed treatments are appropriate and that any side effects are managed.
• Advice on healthy living: Guidance on diet, exercise, and other lifestyle factors that may affect health.
• Preventive healthcare: Screening for conditions such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and other age-appropriate checks.
• Mental health review: Support with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or other conditions that may be common in people with learning disabilities.

We strongly encourage families and carers to attend the health check with the individual to provide extra support and make sure that all concerns are addressed.

If you are eligible for an Annual Health Check, you will be contacted by the surgery to schedule an appointment. If you have any questions or wish to arrange a health check, please contact us at the surgery or speak to your GP directly.

Support and Services for People with Learning Disabilities

There are several support services available locally, both through the NHS and charitable organisations, that can provide help with managing health, accessing services, and improving quality of life.

NHS Services

1. Community Learning Disability Team (CLDT) The CLDT in Hampshire provides support for people with learning disabilities. They offer a wide range of services, including:

   • Specialist healthcare assessments and advice
   • Behavioral support for managing challenging behaviors
   • Social and emotional support for individuals and their families
   • Health screening and individual care plans

   You can be referred to the CLDT by your GP or another healthcare professional if additional support is needed.

2. NHS Health Check The NHS Health Check is available for all adults in England, including those with learning disabilities, aged 40-74, to assess their risk of developing serious conditions such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and kidney disease. This is in addition to the annual health check.

3. Specialist Nurses and Consultants Depending on the individual’s health needs, they may be referred to a specialist nurse or consultant for specific conditions such as epilepsy, diabetes, or mental health issues.

Charities and Support Organisations

There are many national and local charities that provide essential support to people with learning disabilities and their families in the Emsworth area. These services may include advocacy, social care, advice, and emotional support.

1. Mencap Mencap is one of the UK’s leading charities supporting people with learning disabilities and their families. They offer:

   • Information and advice on living with a learning disability
   • Support for family carers, including respite care and emotional support
   • Employment and education services for people with learning disabilities

2. The National Autistic Society (NAS) For those with autism spectrum disorders, the National Autistic Society provides invaluable support. They offer:

   • Information and training for carers and families
   • Advice on diagnosis, communication, and behavioral support
   • Local support groups and events in Hampshire

3. Scope Scope is a charity that provides support for individuals with disabilities, including learning disabilities. They offer:

   • Help with accessing benefits and legal rights
   • Parent and Carer support, including mental health support for families
   • Employment and independent living resources for people with learning disabilities

4. Hampshire County Council - Learning Disabilities Services Hampshire County Council offers Learning Disability Services that provide local support, such as:

   • Day services and activities for people with learning disabilities
   • Supported living and housing assistance
   • Carer support services, including respite care and advice You can contact Hampshire’s Adult Social Care team for more details:
     Hampshire Social Services

Support for Carers and Families

Caring for someone with learning disabilities can be both rewarding and challenging. There are many services available to provide support for carers:

• Carers Hampshire (part of the Carers Trust) provides support, advice, and information specifically for carers of individuals with learning disabilities.
  Visit: Carers Hampshire
• Havant Carers Centre offers local support services, advice, and workshops for carers in the Emsworth area.
  Visit: Havant Carers Centre

Local Support Groups and Activities

• Emsworth Day Services for Adults with Learning Disabilities
  These services provide local community-based support, group activities, and social events. Ask your local council for more information on available day services and social groups in Emsworth.

Further Advice

If you or someone you care for is living with a learning disability and needs support or advice about health, social care, or community services, please don’t hesitate to contact Emsworth Surgery or your GP. We can help you access the right services and ensure you receive the best care possible.

You can also speak to the NHS 111 service for general health queries or guidance about urgent care options for people with learning disabilities.