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Learning Disabilities

We support people with learning disabilities with all areas of daily life, helping them to live as independently as possible. We can help with everything from issues with health, housing and managing money, to supporting people with learning disabilities to take part in everyday activities such as going to work or college.

You can find us at the Kestrel Centre at St James Hospital and the service is provided by the city council and Portsmouth City teaching PCT working in partnership.

Housing

We have a housing resettlement officer who is on hand to help with all kinds of housing issues, including applying for social housing and housing benefit.

The housing resettlement officer also sits on a learning disability housing panel that looks at the kinds of housing people need and matches them with suitable accommodation, such as supported living projects, adult placement, and short-term and respite residential care.

Money

We can make sure people are getting the benefits they are entitled to by helping to fill in forms and, with permission, talking to the benefits agency on their behalf. Support workers are also on hand to help people with learning disabilities to manage their money.  

Activities

We help people to take part in everyday activities like going to work or college, or using day services. There are five small day centres for people with learning disabilities in Portsmouth.

Support and personal care

If a person with learning disabilities needs help with daily activities, we will carry out an assessment to find out how much support they need. If they need help with day-to-day tasks, from personal care to using public transport, we can arrange support through an independent care agency.

We can also help people with learning disabilities to get equipment that could make it easier to live independently.

Health

We make it easier for people with learning disabilities to get the health care they need by offering a specialist epilepsy clinic, and providing depot injections and medication. We can also support people when they need to see other healthcare professionals.

Communication

Some people with learning disabilities can find it difficult to expressing themselves, and to understand what is said to them. We can help people to find ways to communicate what they want and need more effectively and can help find out how much they understand. We use picture symbols and switches to help.

Carers

As well as helping people with learning disabilities, we can also provide support for carers by carrying out assessments of their needs too. We always consider the needs of carers and take their views into consideration when working with people with learning disabilities.

If you are a carer and would like help or support with a range of issues, contact us or get in touch with the city council’s Carers Centre, which provides a wide range of services for carers.