As part of Learning Disability Week, a community event aimed at supporting people with learning disabilities as well as their families, carers, and professionals who work with them, took place in Bridlington this week.
On Wednesday 18 June, CYP Sports Centre, Bridlington, hosted the free, family-friendly event which offered a range of fun activities and showcased a variety of local support services.
Hosted by the Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust, the event focussed on the theme of ‘‘Do you see me?’’ aiming to raise awareness and provide information on health, housing, employment and social inclusion in a way which was easy to understand by all those who attended.
East Riding of Yorkshire Council attended as a partner organisation, providing a wide range of information and advice from across adult social care services.
In attendance from the council was Futures+, a service which helps people to prepare for adulthood and engage with the wider community. Worklink attended, a service which helps those with learning disabilities and autistic people to explore the world of work and secure paid and voluntary employment. The Carers Support Service also came along, a service which provides support to carers across the East Riding. Priory View Day Service had a stall, sharing the wide range of support it provides as well as showcasing items which had been crafted with the input of its very own service users.
The event was part of a wider initiative which has introduced new Learning Disability Community Hubs across multiple locations within Hull and the East Riding. These hubs, which have been co-produced with people who have lived experience, will host local, neighbourhood-based drop-in sessions. The hubs will offer vital links to services and resources that support with housing, income and community connections.
The Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust have designed the hubs to be fully inclusive and accessible, with the services showcased shaped by the people who use them. These people-centred hubs have been introduced to bridge the gap and empower people to make informed choices, increasing their understanding and reducing their social isolation.
At the ‘’Do you see me?’’ event there was also a mix of fun and interactive activities throughout the day to keep everyone entertained including football, dance classes and boxing.
Councillor Jonathan Owen, cabinet member for adults, health and care at East Riding of Yorkshire Council said: ‘’As a council we are delighted to take part in these Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust community hub events which help the most vulnerable people in society find the crucial support which they need to thrive within our communities.
‘’Not only are these events important for signposting to support services within health, housing and social inclusion, they are key to helping people with learning disabilities develop their skillset and navigate the world of employment.
‘’We hope these events will continue to break barriers and help people with learning disabilities, autistic people and support needs to feel engaged with and part of their communities.’’
For more information on East Riding of Yorkshire Council care and support for adults visit: Care and support for adults
To find out more about Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust support services for adults visit: Adults | Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust
Information on Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust support for adults with learning disabilities can be found at: Connect NHS – Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire
