What needs to happen to make the UK the best place ... - Mencap
What needs to happen to make the UK the best place for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives?
All of these sound good. Also for people to have a better understanding of LD. Bullying and carelessness are still big issues.
Less discrimination and marginalisation. More genuine opportunities for inclusion in all aspects of society leading to meaningful relationships and genuine integration in the community.
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!!!
Good quality of care.
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.
just a special other
Post 25 year old support and independent networks of support/friends.
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
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
better awareness of learning disability and better training for carers (paid and unpaid) to understand learning disability.
Improved funding for social care and support in the community
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.
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.
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.
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.
If people don't show them love and understanding, it's a sad world they live in.
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.
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....
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
All the above and good support from Support people who care
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.
Groups for parents who have undiagnosed learning difficulty
