New Government strategy for people with learning disabilities is welcomed
South West Yorkshire Mental Health NHS Trust, which provides learning disability health services to people in Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield has welcomed the publication of Valuing People Now, a new strategy launched by the Department of Health.
The strategy is a 3-year plan which outlines what needs to be done across health, housing, employment and community care to help improve the lives of people with learning disabilities.
The strategy highlights the health inequalities faced by people with learning disabilities and aims to ensure that all people with learning disabilities will be supported to live full, independent lives as equal citizens across all aspects of life.
In response to Valuing People Now, South West Yorkshire Mental Health Trust is strengthening partnerships with service users, carers, local authorities and primary care trusts and continuing to develop the highest possible standard of care for local people with learning disabilities.
The Trust’s Assistant Director of learning disabilities Tim Breedon said, "As a specialist health service provider we have a very important part to play in the Valuing People Now strategy. We are already making progress in supporting many of the key health targets but it is important that we continue to listen to what local people are saying."
He continued, "The original Valuing People strategy had huge potential to deliver some very inspirational goals but it did not have the support it needed to make things happen. This new report takes Valuing People to a new dimension and should significantly improve the quality of life of people with learning disabilities and the services they receive."
The Trust is currently applying to become a Foundation Trust, where local people join as members. Nearly 11,000 local people have already joined the Trust and anyone interested in supporting services and having a say in their future development is encouraged to become a member. It’s entirely free and there is no commitment. Call 01924 327567 or visit www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk for more information.