People with learning disabilities and autistic people, are being given the opportunity to share their experiences of health and social care in Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland, to help address health inequalities.
These experiences can include any hospital or GP appointments, visits to the dentist, taking or being prescribed medication, or talking to any healthcare professionals about health conditions.
Organised by Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Learning Disability and Autism collaborative group (which includes local NHS and local authority partners) and with support from voluntary organisations Meadow Barn View, VALUES and The Monday Club – the shared experiences will be presented to:
senior managers in local authorities and NHS services;
social workers and other professionals who work to support people in social care; and
GPs, dentists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
David Williams, executive director of Strategy & Partnerships at Leicestershire Partnership Trust, said:
“We believe that health and social care should be great for everyone. But we know it is not always the case. We want to hear directly from people about your experiences, so we can see what’s working and what isn’t, and then train staff, raise awareness and help improve health and social care services.
“Whether through artwork, poems or writing, or video or audio clips, however you want to share your stories and experiences, we really want to hear from you.”
Special events will be held where people will be able to attend, chat to health and social care workers/professionals, and share their stories. The events are taking place at:
Monday 13 and Monday 20 June from 19:00 – 21:00 at The Monday Club, Leicestershire Centre for Integrated Living, West End Neighbourhood Centre, Andrewes Street LE3 5PA.
And as part of Learning Disabilities Week (20 – 26 June):
Wednesday 22 June from 10:00 – 14:00 at VALUES, Voluntary Action Leicester, Newarke Street, Leicester LE1 5SN
Friday 24 June from 11:00 – 14:00 at Meadow Barn Skills Centre, 368 Church Lane, Whitwick. LE67 5DL
For those unable to attend these events, please send your experiences to VALUES on email: values@valonline.org.uk or call: 0116 257 50 44.
A film will be made of all the submissions and local health and social care leaders will respond to the issues raised in the summer. It is hoped that this will be the first of many future similar events to improve health and social care experiences for people with learning disabilities and autistic people.
