Learning Disability • Caremark

A learning Disability can be varied and impact individuals in many ways. Our Learning Disabilities Champion is experienced in both low level and profound conditions.

Independence and choice are often greatly impacted by a learning disability. We take time to understand your support needs so we can provide impactful levels of support that encourage you to make informed choices, increasing independence and inclusion.

Often our support is in small blocks of time, agreed together to help with specific tasks. That may include meal planning, cooking, shopping, household finances, personal hygiene choices and social engagement. This can be extended to educational pathways, hobbies and workplace opportunities.

Craig’s Story

Craig has a mild learning disability. As a young adult Craig is fiercely independent and has a desire to access his community and do things that interest him.

When Caremark were introduced to Craig, we were very keen not to take over his decision making, we did not want Craig to become dependent on his support workers. We felt our role was to enhance his independence and learn how we could support him to be safe and achieve his aspirations.

So, with Craig we set out a plan that included his goals. He loves to go into Rotherham and Sheffield, so we worked out his bus timetables with him and his budget for shopping. Craig then made the decision where his support worker would meet him such as Meadowhall and Sheffield Cathedral. This gave Craig confidence and independence to get the bus from home into town where his support worker meets him, just as a friend would do. He has now enjoyed several successful independent trips buying clothes.

With support from his worker, Craig has learnt new life skills such as online transport timetables and money budgeting. He also has an interest in Horticulture which he studied at college and now he access’s Caremark’s Allotment where he grows and nurtures plants and vegetables.

Positively Achieving:

Community Access – Social inclusion
Life & IT Skills – Transport Planning & Budgeting
Positive Behaviours – Putting into practice Horticulture skills & knowledge.
Independence – Planning and achieving goals.