Focus on learning difficulties

Jan 31 2009 by Anne-Marie Bradley, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

SERVICES for people with learning difficulties in Huddersfield have been given a boost thanks to a Government strategy, say health bosses.

South West Yorkshire Mental Health Trust – which helps people in Kirklees, Calderdale and Wakefield – has welcomed a new national plan highlighting what needs to be done to improve the lives of people with learning disabilities.

The three-year project – called Valuing People Now – has been devised by the Department of Health.

It identifies the health inequalities faced by people with learning disabilities to make sure they are supported to live full, independent lives as equal citizens.

The plan covers all aspects of life including health, housing, employment, and community care.

Tim Breedon, assistant director of learning disabilities for the Trust, said they had an important role to play in the new strategy.