Most people with a learning disability say friendships and relationships are important to them but for many the reality is social isolation and facing barriers to making and developing new friendships and relationships.
Lasting and meaningful relationships have been found to be a long term determiner of happiness and well-being, yet many support services and agencies struggle to enable those they support to benefit from this most normal aspect of life.
This event looked at examples of how organisations are taking new approaches to help people with a learning disability develop their social life, make friends and have relationships.
The event included inspiring and informative presentations and a chance to look at examples and issues in more detail in smaller workshops.
Attending this event gave delegates ideas and strategies to put the principles of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act into action:
- Voice and control- putting the individual and their needs at the centre of their care, and giving them a voice in, and control over reaching the outcomes that help them achieve well-being.
- Prevention and early intervention- increasing preventative services within the community to minimise the escalation of critical need.
- Well-being- supporting people to achieve their own well-being and measuring the success of care and support.
- Co-production- encouraging individuals to become more involved in the design and delivery of services.
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