Learning disabilities
Information and Advice
If you have a learning disability or care for some who has a learning disability supported living can give you advice and information and refer you to other people who can help with things such as:
- Education and learning
- Employment
- Benefits
- Independent Living Fund
- Direct Payments
- Self advocate organizations
- Housing
- Child Care and child protection
- Court Liaison
- Community Safety
- Supporting people
Health referrals
If you feel your needs will be better met through a health professional e.g.;
- Psychiatrist
- Psychologist
- Nurse
- Community psychiatric nurse
- Speech and language therapist
- Counsellor
Then it is important that you make an appointment with your GP who can refer you to the Learning Disability Directorate of Merseycare who are based at Olive Mount Hospital. If you are working with a social worker and together you feel that a referral to Merseycare is appropriate then the social worker can do this for you.
For more information about any of the services either use the left hand navigation buttons, or contact careline on 0151 233 3800
Assessment
There are 3 teams of social workers who work with adults with learning disabilities. These three teams are based at
North - Spellow Lane Customer Focus Centre
Central - Brougham Terrace Customer Focus Centre
South - Parklands Customer Focus Centre
Making Contact
If you already have a social worker and you wish to speak to them or to a team manager you can contact Careline on 233 3800 and they will put you through.
If you have not had help from a social worker and you think they may be able to advise you or assess your needs then please phone Careline 233 3800 and say that you wish to make a referral to the learning disability social work team.
Careline can also be contacted by email
Normally a social worker will make an appointment to see you and your family to make an assessment under the NHS and Community Care Act.
An assessment should involve you and your family and anyone else who knows you well. It should concentrate on positive aspects of your life as well as indicate where you need help. The social worker would expect to take some time getting to know you so that the assessment can be as complete as possible.
Arranging a service
During the assessment you will have opportunity to discuss the various options available to meet your needs. This can include help with personal care, support for college, employment or a day service.
Options for respite can be discussed and any long term planning around accommodation.
There are government policies around Fair Access to care which indicates the kind of service you can expect depending on your needs. This will be explained as will any charges that may apply
Care Plan
Once your service has been arranged you will be given a care plan which explains how the service will meet your needs and achieve your objectives. This will be monitored and reviewed.
It is not always possible to have a social worker on a long-term basis so you may need to ring Careline again if you think you need more help in the future.
Formation of various stakeholder groups
Formation of various stakeholder groups which brings together service commissioners and providers with representatives of users, carers and the voluntary sector. They play a central role in planning and developing services for people with learning difficulties in employment, transport, housing, education etc.
Liverpool Learning Disability Partnership Board, Multi agency forum with 3 consultation groups - Carers Consultation Group, Getting Involved Group and the Providers Forum.
Partnership Board for Disabled People with Physical and Sensory Impairments.
Adoption of BSL as an official community language part of the disability equality strategy.