There are over 2000 people with a learning disability living in Devon. Social Workers work with them, their families and members of their local community to tackle a wide range of issues including advocacy, housing, employment, education and personal safety. We use a risk based approach to commission services that will help people to develop their own voice and independence as well as ensuring appropriate safeguards for their welfare.
The Devon Learning Disability Health and Social Care Partnership is committed to addressing the inequalities and discrimination that people with a learning disability face in their day to day lives. We promote and support people so they can adequately access the services on offer in their local community. We also aim to help organisations understand the needs of people with a learning disability, and how they can make simple yet effective changes that promote inclusion rather than present people with additional barriers.
Here, we believe that early intervention and a person-centred service are important in helping people find solutions to problems. We pride ourselves on a multidisciplinary approach. Across Devon there are six multi-disciplinary community learning disability teams offering health and social care services. These Social Workers work with a wide range of similar professionals, as well as external providers who provide independent, voluntary and private support.
The Learning Disability Partnership is leading the way in making the Putting People First programme a reality and is fully committed to the principles of;
- universal access to public and community services
- prevention and early intervention
- promoting the growth of social capital within the social care sector and in the
- wider community
- improving access to information and advice for all people who use social care
- services
- recognising and supporting carers
We are actively changing the way in which we commission services. We know how important it is to promote positive changes within the marketplace, and keep developing our workforce to meet evolving national and local agendas. Throughout everything we do, our focus remains clear. We must support people with learning disabilities as well as their families, to give them greater choice and control within their lives and personal circumstances.