Partnership in Practice

Published 16 Jun 2011 09:30

Opportunities for people with learning disabilities to become involved in their communities was the focus of a 'Partnership in Practice' event held at St Kentigern's Church in Kilmarnock last week.

The event was a curtain raiser for Learning Disability Awareness Week which starts on Sunday 19 June with a football fun day at Cumnock Academy. There's also going to be an Information Day on 20 June and two showcase evenings, one at New Cumnock on 21 June and the second in Stewarton on 23 June.

Depute Provost John Campbell and Councillor John MacKay, Spokesperson for Community Health and Wellbeing attended the partnership event which gives practitioners in both health and the social care sector the chance to share experiences and learn about developments in services for people with learning disabilities.

This year the audience heard about developments in self-directed services for people and innovative gardening projects across East Ayrshire, all of which offer opportunities for people with learning disabilities to become more involved in their communities and have increasing control over their lives.

Councillor MacKay said: "The importance of all agencies and communities working together to protect and support the most vulnerable members of our community cannot be underestimated. People with learning disabilities have told us that they want the same life opportunities as everyone else - a home, friends and a job. By harnessing the knowledge and experience of social work staff, independent advocacy services, health services, housing providers, support providers, employers and most importantly family carers and people with learning disabilities themselves, we can achieve these outcomes."

For more information about Learning Disability Week and the events being held, contact the Local Area Coordinators on 01290 424631 or 01563 554277.

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