‘It’s My Health Day’ – Working together for those with learning disabilities

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People with learning disabilities in Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield are being invited to a special event to showcase the health and wellbeing services available to help them improve their lives.

‘It’s My Health Day’ has been organised by the NHS and local authorities so that people with learning disabilities, their families, and carers can experience the wide range of services available to them across the regions.

As well as informing people of good health and giving them confidence to make use of services available, the event is also an opportunity for service providers to listen to and learn from the experiences of service users. Sharing information with those people that use services ensures all health needs can be met and provisions can be delivered in the best way possible to meet their requirements.

Some of the activities and information stalls at the event will include:

• A ‘Big Brother’-style diary room • Advice from a specialist self-care team • Diabetes stall • Healthy food and drink • Cycle-powered smoothie maker • Health trainer advice • Controlling infection by washing hands • Easy-to-do chair exercises • Physical exercise hints and tips • Music and dance • Gateway to Care advice • Information from the SeeAbility charity • Creative arts • And much more…

Rob Napier, chairman of NHS Kirklees, who will be officially opening the event, said: "It’s My Health Day promises to be a fun-filled day for everyone attending. As planners and providers of services it’s vital that we listen to those people who use our learning disabilities services so that we can plan and provide more efficiently for them."

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust chief executive Steven Michael said, "The health day is a great way to hear what local people think about our services. The event will allow people on all levels, whether a carer or a person with learning disabilities, to have their say, which is vital if we are to provide health services that meet the needs of local people."

The event will take place on Thursday 11 February 2010 at Village Leeds South, Capitol Boulevard West, Tingley, LS27 0TS, between 10am and 3pm. Lunch will be provided.

‘It’s My Health Day’ – Working together for those with learning disabilities

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