Learning Disabilities Database South Lancashire

Mencap West Lancs have managed this project for the last six years. It initially covering only West Lancashire but, for the past year, it has also including Chorley and South Ribble.

The detailed statistical information within this report and on the database can provide service planners with a wide variety of important information, which is not readily available from any other source. The scope of the available statistics is considerable and it would be impossible to include more than a smattering in this report. However, for example, in can detail the type of homes in which people live, including, if required, such details as; with their own family, or staff supported housing, etc. If circumstances demanded, the database could, for example, also extract those people with a high dependency on medication and show how much help they may need within their daily lives. This information appears later in chart form.

Information, however relevant, is often meaningless unless it leads to increased understanding and improvements to individuals� lives.

All the information on the database has been freely given and we hope it will enable people to achieve even more control of their own lives and help shape the services available to them

It is also hoped that this important information about people with learning disabilities, both as a group and as individuals, will promote discussion on the current support and encouragement being given to them. It should help to identify what changes can be expected in their lives and how new services can be provided to meet these new challenges.

In line with current Government thinking, we now need to put �people first�, to listen to their expectations and respond in the best way possible. We believe that people with learning disabilities should be encouraged to learn more about the White Paper �Valuing People� and have representation on Partnership Boards.

The local Mencap societies in West Lancashire and Chorley are extremely proud of this innovative collaborative project, which can �help people to help themselves.� They are also extremely grateful to Lancashire County Social Services Department, South Lancashire Health and West Lancashire Primary Care Trust for their support, both financial and physical, in ensuring that this project flourishes. They are also particularly grateful to the members of staff of those organisations who have contributed a great deal of their time and knowledge, in a true spirit of friendly co-operation. This is a fine example of �Joint Working�.

George Weeks - Chairman � Mencap West Lancs