Living at home, making a cup of tea for your friends and popping out to the shops are things we all take for granted, but for people with learning disabilities life isn’t always that straightforward.

But thanks to an award-winning scheme in North East Lincolnshire more people with a learning disability are doing just that.

Since the project began three years ago more than 50 people living with learning disabilities have moved into purpose-built homes that give tenants their independence, as well as any support they need to carry out day-to-day tasks.

It has proved so successful that service lead for the project, Angie Dyson was invited to speak at a national learning disabilities conference in London.

“Three years ago we set out to change the lives and families of people living with learning disabilities and I am proud to say that we have made significant steps to achieve this by working in partnership across a number of organisations” said Angie Dyson, Service Lead Disability and Mental Health for North East Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

“Traditionally people with learning disabilities lived in residential homes or out of the area which limited their independence and choice. There was a lack of suitable housing that offered the right support in the community; but by working with social housing developers Inclusion Housing and Progress we were able to create new homes so people with a learning disability can have the opportunity to live ordinary lives.

“It was great to fly the flag for North East Lincolnshire and be highlighted for this piece of work. Not only were we able to change people’s lives but we also managed to make significant savings by commissioning more person-centred services. There was a lot of interest from national leaders at the conference who were impressed with our approach and wanted to know more. Hopefully this model will be replicated elsewhere in the country.”

Angie Dyson presented at the Capita Learning Disabilities Conference on London on 30th January 2014 on behalf of North East Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group.

This piece of work won the best commissioner category at the Independent Specialist Care Awards in March 2013.

Members of the project group include Angie Dyson commissioner, Debbie Harding specialist Social Worker Focus, Jane Moran psychologist and the IST Team Care Trust Plus. Care providers: Creative Support, Lifeways, Care UK, Inclusion and Progress Housing.

ENDS

Visit www.northeastlincolnshireccg.nhs.uk
Follow us: @NELincsCCG

Notes to editors:

1. NHS North East Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group was established in April 2013, following the Government’s health reforms, and is made up of 30 GP practices in Grimsby and Cleethorpes.

2. The CCG is responsible for health and social care services for over 165,000 people in Grimsby and Cleethorpes

3. NHS North East Lincolnshire CCG is the only CCG in the country to have responsibility for both NHS and Adult Social Care

4. The CCG is made up of people who understand patients’ needs best, including doctors, nurses and health professionals from thirty GP member practices

5. The CCG actively listens to local people and partners to decide what health services are needed for local people

6. North East Lincolnshire CCG is building on the success of Care Trust Plus

Media contact NHS North Yorkshire Commissioning Support Unit: 0300 303 8394
Issued by:
Sarah Howells
Shooting Star PR
01522 528540
sarah@weareshootingstar.co.uk
@shootingstarpr
@sarahhowellspr
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