Family, Friends & Community
Most people with learning disabilities live with their families who are often key to advocating for new opportunities and need support in this role. Family members, friends and other people in the community help to create a supportive social network.
Thinking Ahead is a guide to help families plan for the future of a loved one with a learning disability, in the event that their family predeceases them.
Community Connecting is about working with individuals and the people close to them to find out their strengths, talents and interests. It goes beyond simply helping people to be in the community and aims to ensure people are part of their community.
Working in partnership with Kent County Council, District Partnership Groups and local organisations we have explored developing a range of initiatives to support people with learning disabilities to become included in their communities.
Recognising Fathers is a research project that was carried out to gain a better understanding of the experiences of fathers of children with learning disabilities and to look at the changes needed in policy and practice.
We did development work about older families and 'mutual caring'. This is where a person with learning disabilities and their elderly relative are supporting each other to remain living together. We produced a DVD and other useful resources.
A circle of support is a group of people who meet together to give support and friendship to a person. The people in a circle should know and care about the person who needs support.
We've completed development work to improve the support for 'older families', where people with learning disabilities are living at home with carers who are aged over 65. Good practice guidelines were written to support work to make this happen.
Resources for practitioners in education, health, social care and family support settings to involve fathers in meetings and appointments about their children with learning disabilities.