News Release, 9 October 2001
On the eve (9th October) of World Mental Health Day, the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities is launching the first major Inquiry into the mental health needs of young people with learning disabilities.
Until now, the mental health needs of young people with learning disabilities have been severely neglected. One study showed that only 10% of young people with learning disabilities and psychiatric problems receive specialist mental health services . The Foundation is conducting a one-year UK-wide Inquiry with the aim of influencing future policy and practice, considering not just mental health problems but also how to promote emotional wellbeing and build self-esteem. As one young person said "I never really learned how to make friends, how to fool around and hang out, or how to talk to and tease girls. I never really learned how to be a 'guy'."
"Adolescence is known to be a period when mental health problems are more common, but young people with learning disabilities are even more at risk," said Hazel Morgan, head of the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities. "Compared with other young people, they are more likely to experience bullying and to have fewer friends, and they are less able to think through their problems and worries, or to develop ways of coping with them. These are often very vulnerable young people, and we hope that this Inquiry will help them to get a better start to their adult lives."
Mental health and learning disability services have usually not worked effectively together, and if a young person is already receiving learning disability services they are generally perceived as already having their needs met, so that they are less likely to be offered mental health services. There is also an issue around staff training, in that learning disability professionals do not usually have the skills to recognise and provide support for mental health needs and vice versa.
Mental health problems can also be difficult to identify in someone with a learning disability, especially where that person has poor communication skills. Behavioural problems are often perceived as being part of the disability, rather than a possible indication of a treatable mental health problem. Research into the lives of young people with learning disabilities who had severe behavioural problems into adult life found that nearly two thirds of them had no contact with specialist health professionals during adolescence .
Two young people with learning disabilities will act as advisors to the Inquiry committee, which will be chaired by Professor Barry Carpenter of Sunfield School.
Further information on Count Us In the Inquiry into the mental health needs of young people with learning disabilities.
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Note to editors
For further information and interview requests contact please contact the press office on 020 7803 1105 / 1128 or email the press office
The Foundation promotes the rights, quality of life and opportunities of people with learning disabilities and their families. We do this by working with people with learning disabilities, their families and those who support them to:
- Do research and develop projects that promote social inclusion and citizenship
- Support local communities and services to include people with learning disabilities
- Make practical improvements in services for people with learning disabilities
- Spread knowledge and information.
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