What needs to happen to make the UK the best place ... - Mencap

Mencap

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What needs to happen to make the UK the best place for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives?

Mencap_online_comms profile imageMencap_online_commsPartner45 Voters

Please select all that apply:

22 Replies
Freddy44 profile image
Freddy44

All of these sound good. Also for people to have a better understanding of LD. Bullying and carelessness are still big issues.

Michele1965 profile image
Michele1965

Less discrimination and marginalisation. More genuine opportunities for inclusion in all aspects of society leading to meaningful relationships and genuine integration in the community.

petejmarshall profile image
petejmarshall

I think that social workers should be better trained to deal with real life people instead of taking it from text books as gospel. Because we all know that what someone has written usually does not work in practice it is the hands on delivery of services that count more than words do!!!

Lucacielle profile image
Lucacielle

Good quality of care.

redsails profile image
redsails

I agree with petejmarshall and also think that more should be done to prepare families and their learning disabled relatives prepare for the future. Better training, higher status and a salary that reflects the responsibility placed on support staff is also essential especially for those who support people with complex conditions. I’d also like to see more evidence based stories of places and organisations who deliver a high quality of support and from those who receive it.

mum94 profile image
mum94

just a special other

014London profile image
014London

Post 25 year old support and independent networks of support/friends.

Dancingqueen62 profile image
Dancingqueen62

All of the above, plus:

* instead of a 'job' , a, 'suitable job' or purpose in life, which brings a sense of achievement and belonging and income or other reward.

* respect and kindness from all

* to have their voices heard, acknowledged and wishes actioned

* to be allowed to show their emotions without punishment

* to be fully supported to enjoy positive relationships with family, friends, partners and members of the community

* to be given integrity

* to be protected from abuse

* to be understood, given reasonable adjustment for behaviours and to be free from being labelled as being, psychotic (sometimes arbitrarily) and subsequently being put on an array of antipsychotics and antidepressants with their associated adverse effects.

* to have relatable, caring, knowledgeable medical professionals who have the time and passion to support them

* to feel loved by family, friends, someone.

* to be supported to access and enjoy exercise/ sport, entertainment and travel

* to have a secure safety net when things come tumbling down in order that people with a learning disability do not get sectioned or imprisoned because there are no alternatives.

* to have a dedicated advocate who will truly represent them

* to have a dedicated social worker and community team that will ensure that all of these needs become actioned/fulfilled

* to ensure that any documentation is fair, accurate and not subjective

Tracidu profile image
Tracidu

All above , plus a secure modern home for Learning disabled adults who need 24/7 support with good caring , and understanding support workers

and to be treated as part of society without prejudice

Also some understanding of the day to day life of parents and carers of Adults with Learning disabilities

S3w3ng39 profile image
S3w3ng39

better awareness of learning disability and better training for carers (paid and unpaid) to understand learning disability.

lqrt43 profile image
lqrt43

Improved funding for social care and support in the community

Jw104 profile image
Jw104

Less discrimination and an understanding from an early age, this is probably the only way that society will changes it’s views. Social service need to have a better understanding of LD and that they do not fit into single category one size doesn’t fit all. Also an understanding that as the family grows old, and begins to find the day to day care of LD that forward planning is essential. You can’t simply move anyone with LD into care and expect a smooth transition from home and family to strangers.

HolisticMum profile image
HolisticMum in reply to Jw104

Even transitions from Primary Sch to Secondary don't go as planned. Everyone pays lip service at Review meetings then it just falls apart when they get to their next stage. Adults have even more of a raw deal if they need physio, OT and speech therapy services. My young adult son can't even be considered for special seating by the OT. I was told Only if he is falling off a chair! I'm trying to get help re his posture over computer at the moment. No one cares.

Oldcarer profile image
Oldcarer

More communication between caring staff re supporting their residents ,reading the community notes from other staff after and before their shifts for continuity of care.

Peon profile image
Peon

Acceptance, tolerance, recognition of the value each individual person can bring. No more isolation. No more fighting for every scrap of support or intervention that helps these individuals have a better life.

HolisticMum profile image
HolisticMum

If people don't show them love and understanding, it's a sad world they live in.

Swimbikerun1 profile image
Swimbikerun1

Top priority for us at the moment would be decent housing in a nice area. From all that we've seen the cheapest properties are bought in quite deprived areas. There should be more choice of housing and areas, town centres and busy areas dont suit everyone.

Also job opportunities would make such a difference to my sons life.

Swimbikerun1 profile image
Swimbikerun1 in reply to Swimbikerun1

Couldn't agree more with this, it terrifies me where my son might end up living as a town property would be so unsuitable for him but there doesn't seem to be any other options....

Sarah_Mencap profile image
Sarah_Mencap

Thank you very much for replying to this poll. Your feedback will be really helpful to us when we are developing our next strategy and make sure we focus on the things that will make a real difference.

Thanks

Sarah

coxs profile image
coxs

All the above and good support from Support people who care

emmellecy profile image
emmellecy

Soo many suggestions! I agree with them all. Better communication between the person and the supporter (social worker, carer, etc.), a chance to get out the house without the pressure of being sociable, and to just be treated as a person.

kittg profile image
kittg

Groups for parents who have undiagnosed learning difficulty