Herefordshire Community Learning Disability Team

News. A new painless method for blood tests, currently being trialled by University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, could assist people with learning disabilities who are afraid of needles, pain, or clinical settings. learningdisabilitytoday.co.uk/news/new-painl…

It's the start of Down’s Syndrome Awareness Week 2026! 🧦💚 Make sure to show your support and celebrate from the 16 to 22 March 2026 (World Down Syndrome Day is on the 21 March.) Join with us and with people around the world to stand Together Against Loneliness! Simple, small things – like a smile, a conversation in the queue for the bus, taking time to listen, making simple changes to the way you do an activity – can all make a huge difference. Remember, we'd love to see your photos/videos and hear about how you are spending your time this week. Please send them to comms@downs-syndrome.org.uk if you are happy for them to be used on our social platforms. For all things Awareness Week such as where you can get your socks/badges, fundraising information, colouring sheets and more, click here: downs-syndrome.org.uk/our-work/campa… #WorldDownSyndromeDay #TogetherAgainstLoneliness #LotsOfSocks

We're excited to share that with @PavPub we're hosting a FREE online webinar on non-violent resistance and neurodiversity. The webinar, introduces NVR as a therapeutic, parent-focused approach for neurodivergent families. Find out more learningdisabilitytoday.co.uk/events/future-…

We're super excited @AQuinnUnbroken is speaking about how to end inappropriate detention of people with learning disabilities and autistic people at our webinar on 29 April. Find out more and book a free place at bit.ly/4l5OC3P

Sensory processing differences are relatively common among people who have Down’s syndrome, although they may look different for each person. This resource gives an overview of the sensory system, sensory regulation and sensory processing. Click here to view this resource: downs-syndrome.org.uk/wp-content/upl…

Updated LeDeR report!

This Easy Read guide offers information on healthy eating and tips for being active. 🍎🏃‍➡️ You can read our updated resource here: downs-syndrome.org.uk/wp-content/upl…

Our regular well-being Wednesday session for parents continues in 2026. This is an ideal way to start the new year by taking some time for yourself to relax. Each week Jane will guide some gentle movement/meditation that you can do in the comfort of your own home. Next session: Wednesday 14 January 2026 | Time: 10.30-11am | Free Please sign up here: downs-syndrome.org.uk/our-work/servi…

The NHS has produced leaflets in accessible formats about how people can #StayWellThisWinter. They are in easy read, large print, British Sign Language and audio recordings. Please find them on this link below. nhs.uk/live-well/seas…

@RoseUnwin Absolutely inspiring! Thank you for sharing your story and for advocating for people with a learning disability ❤️

Off to Stoke on Trent to address the Challenge to Change Conference: Advancing Best Practice in Learning Disability and Autism Support. Better not screw it up.

Really looking forward to being part of the #challengetochange conference today with 2 of our nurses presenting their amazing work supporting someone with a learning disability to manage alcohol dependence

We can't wait for our webinar - learning disabilities: from hospitals to humans with @jimgblair and @RoseUnwin We hope you can join us to discuss how we improve the future for people with learning disabilities. Register for free at bit.ly/4pk4h0q

One of our learning disability and advisory group members Jean, has co-produced this video, showing that staff really listened, treating her son’s poor mental health. When staff meet the person’s needs, they can live better lives. Watch out for part 2. youtube.com/watch?v=Q5xZqO…

Today is Learning Disability Nursing Day in the UK. Please consider joining our wonderful profession. More info here healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/… and here learningdisabilitynurse.co.uk #chooseLDNursing #RNLD #LDNDay @ukldcnn @WeLDnurses @rcni @NursingTimes

GP Learning Disability Register (LDR) Everyone who has Down’s syndrome (of any age) should be registered on their GP practice’s LDR. This is a confidential list of patients registered at the GP surgery who have a learning disability. It is another tool to help GPs improve people's health. Registration is not automatic so you may need to ask the GP practice if the person you care for is on the LDR. The reception team can sometimes help with this (but not always) so you may need to make an appointment with the GP. Being on the LDR lets the GP know that: · you may need additional support (reasonable adjustments) to access healthcare · you are eligible for a learning disability Annual Health Check from 14+ years · you may be eligible for certain vaccinations and screening tests. Further information about the LDR can be found here: downs-syndrome.org.uk/about-downs-sy…

People with Down syndrome need the same chances as everyone else in all parts of life, personal and professional. During Down Syndrome Awareness Month, you can talk about health and all of society being more inclusive. Here are easy read guides downs-syndrome.org.uk/easy-read-info…

Tomorrow is #SUDEPActionDay2025 Be a voice for the epilepsy community and share #BREAKDOWNBARRIERS 🧡 Everyone who shares our messages about epilepsy risks and SUDEP is helping us to reach those in need of potentially life-saving information and support. #SUDEP #epilepsy

We are really sorry to hear about the sad loss of @HWHCT_NHS chair Mark Yates. Mark was a great supporter of our team and the work we do for people with a learning disability. He was a lovely, kind man and he will be missed. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time 💔

As September is World Alzheimer's month, we thought we'd bring your awareness to some of our resources on Down's syndrome and Alzheimer's disease. 💜 Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia that affects people with Down’s syndrome. People with Down’s syndrome can develop other dementias separately or alongside Alzheimer’s disease. Please click here to browse through our resource on this area: downs-syndrome.org.uk/wp-content/upl…

LeDeR findings indicate 25.6% of adults with a learning disability who died in 2023 did not have a care package meeting all needs. Additionally, 27.3% required reasonable adjustments that were not provided. Chapter 1 details: kcl.ac.uk/ioppn/assets/p… #LeDeR @KingsIoPPN