Learning Disability Alliance (LDA) held a talk about staying well during the winter months for people with learning disabilities living in Croydon. The event was funded by NHS South West London, which awarded small grants to community organisations to run events and activities that support local people to stay healthy, and talk about local NHS services and vaccinations.
Croydon’s Community Nurse Learning Disability team attended the event to help to support NHS pressures. This included accessing health care such as using local pharmacies, vaccinations and mental health support. Around 20 people attended the talk and had the opportunity to ask questions and raise any concerns they had.
By having this talk, we’re reaching people we might not normally reach in the community and it gives the opportunity to raise awareness for having the vaccinations and keeping healthy during the winter months.
Ann McCaffrey, Community Learning Disability Nurse
NHS South West London awarded a total of 94 grants of up to £500 each across south west London through its winter engagement fund. The grants were awarded to grassroot organisations who have reach into the community and will help share health messages to those disproportionately affected by health inequalities (unequal access to and outcomes from healthcare depending on your life circumstances).
Find out more about the NHS winter engagement fund
About Learning Disability Alliance (LDA)
LDA aims to make Croydon a more inclusive and better place for people with learning disabilities. With up to 45 members attending activities throughout the year, LDA provides support by working with local services and encourages members to live more independent and healthier lives. Members are empowered to lead in matters that concern them, helping to contribute to their community and ensuring their voice is heard.
LDA runs a coffee morning every Tuesday where local professionals are invited to share their services and skills. They also run peer to peer groups for parents with lived experience or for parents with a learning disability themselves and hold community events every few months.