Support for Learning Disabilities | Learning Disabilities Care Pathway

Support Services

Wakefield Council have three community teams for learning disabilities. They provide social work and community nursing to adults with learning disabilities.

You can contact Social Care Direct on 0345 8 503 503 for more information on these services.

Dimensions support people with learning disabilities, autism and complex needs. They help people with learning disabilities to have a voice and be in control of their lives.

This service is for people with learning disabilities who need support to improve their health and wellbeing.

Shared Lives is a care and support service for people over 17 years old. A Shared Lives carer helps to support people to live independently. This is an alternative to supported living or residential care.

You can contact Mencap's helpline to find out what support can be offered to you.

There is also an online community where you can share your experiences, ask for support and get support.

Sense is a disability charity that supports people with complex needs. They believe that everyone should be able to experience the world and live how they want.

Local groups in Wakefield

Newhaven is a service providing 16 beds for men who have a learning disability. This service is based at Fieldhead in Wakefield. It also provides an outreach service to support people to integrate back into the community.

The Wakefield and District Down's Syndrome Support Group aims to provide a support network, information and fun activities for people with Down's Syndrome. They raise awareness and promote social inclusion in a wide variety of ways.

Lift Up Friends is a group for adults learning disabilities. In this group, you can talk about issues, learn self-advocacy skills, share life experiences and make new friends.

Support for carers and family

Carers Wakefield provides the opportunity for carers to meet together. Many people gain help and support by meeting together with others who have similar experiences or problems.

The Challenging Behaviour Foundation is a charity that focuses on the needs of people with a learning disability. They provide information, advice and guidance for people with learning disabilities and for those who care for them.

They host a podcast for family carers. The podcast tells stories and experiences from those who care for someone with a learning disability. You can listen to it here.