Carers of Adults with Learning Disability

Do you feel you care for someone for whom any of the following may apply?
 

	Has a mild learning disability
	Has moderate learning disabilities
	Has profound and multiple disabilities
	Has been diagnosed with an autistic spectrum disorder

If you look after an adult (whether a relative or a friend) with a learning disability, who may or may not live with you, then Carers in Hertfordshire can offer you the opportunity to Have a Voice and get  Information and Support.

Having a Voice:

Would you like to help influence the way policy and services are provided for your relative or friend who has a learning disability?

We can help you to influence the development of services for the person you support by enabling you to:

	share your experiences.
	talk to policy makers and service providers
	raise issues that would make your caring role easier.
	have the opportunity to attend meetings with decision makers from the local authority and health authorities (see Hertfordshire Learning Disability Carers Forum).

Information:

	Who to contact about specialist information about your relative’s illness or disability
	Local & National services which may be of support to you
	How to arrange a benefit check
	Signpost appropriate Holidays, breaks and respite care and also how to apply for grants to fund them
	Local events that may be of interest in your role as a carer
	Training opportunities to use your family carer skills

Support:

	Listen to you
	Help have your caring needs recognised
	Put you in touch with people with similar experiences
	Tell you about services to provide emotional support
	Talk through an individual enquiry and make suggestions about the way forward

Support for older family carers (around 70 years or older) of people with learning disabilities is now available from a team of four workers in Hertfordshire.  They have time to listen to you, to offer information and support, to talk through plans and options for emergencies in case you have to take a break from caring at anytime, and can also help with making longer term plans.   If you think this is something that would help you, please phone the enquiry line on 01992 555444 and talk to either Claire, Stephanie or Lynne.   You can leave a message any time but if you phone between 10am and 1pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays then you should get to speak to one of the workers.  

You can find out more at Herts County Council website.