Coronavirus

Given the current Government guidance around social distancing during the Coronavirus pandemic there is a real risk that people with learning disabilities and their carers will become increasingly lonely and isolated. There may not be as much opportunity for social and physical activity and fewer ways for people to keep busy. This could have an impact on their emotional well-being and their mental health and for carers, especially elderly family carers, it could become very stressful and exhausting.

We know that already some individuals and organisations are looking at alternative ways of people with learning disabilities keeping in touch with their friends and peers, having fun, keeping busy and occupied and maintaining good health and well-being. Many of these are through the use of technology and social media including Apps. Some are specially designed Apps but in some cases it is just making good use of things that are already out there.

We would like to support and be able to share examples of the positive things that people are doing to enable people with learning disabilities and their families to stay happy and healthy during the pandemic. This can include virtual choirs and music groups, virtual clubs and support groups, or just people using technology to learn, to keep busy or to be healthy.

If you know of something good that is happening to help keep people with learning disabilities happy and healthy, either locally or nationally, or if you have an idea on this that you’d like to share please send us the details. If it’s something that can be shared, we will circulate the information across the region. Our team address is Learning.Disability.Transformation@flintshire.gov.uk

Also, if you have ideas or suggestions around this that might require funding please get in touch with the team at the same address. Send us a brief outline and we will contact you individually. We are ‘North Wales Together’ and together we will find ways to respond to the challenges faced by people with learning disabilities and their families during this difficult time

Many thanks, Kathryn Whitfield, Programme Manager