Warwickshire News Mine

Hate crimes affect one in five disabled people and 90 per cent of people with learning difficulties have experienced bullying and harassment, according to research by the Disability Rights Commission and Mencap respectively.

Next week a groundbreaking conference brings together people with learning disabilities, carers, support workers and support agencies.

They will be able to tell the relevant organisations about the abuse they face, share their problems with others in a similar situation and advise service providers how they can best offer support.

This is the first time in Warwickshire that the problems these vulnerable people face will be highlighted at a dedicated event.
Christina Palmer, Adult Protection Development Officer for Warwickshire County Council said: “This is a big step forward on the road to eliminating the abuse, bulling and hate crimes that people with learning disabilities experience.

“It is important that vulnerable people are given the chance to express their concerns in a safe and comfortable environment so that we can improve the support they are given.

“This is also an opportunity to help them recognise when abuse happens to them so they can tell the right people and get the appropriate support.”

Graeme Betts, Director of Adult, Health and Community Services for Warwickshire County Council said: “We need to work together as organisations that provide services to people in order to support individuals adequately.

“It shouldn’t matter what the harm the person is experiencing, the important thing is that the person gets the support they require and we should be able to effectively signpost people to the appropriate organisation who can offer support.

“It is vital that we involve people with learning difficulties in discussions about combating bullying, abuse and hate crime and ask for their input and experience. They hold the key to providing an effective service.”

These case studies highlight some of the problems that people with learning disabilities face and how targeted support can be crucial to helping them.

Case Study 1 – North Warwickshire

Jane, a 44-year-old woman with a learning disability, lived in her own flat without any friends or family living nearby. On a number of occasions she has been found unconscious in her flat due to excessive alcohol consumption and drug abuse was also suspected.

Workers from the Police, Health and Social Services became involved. Although Jane chose to drink and workers accepted that this was her lifestyle choice, further investigations highlighted that people living in her block of flats were coercing her into buying illegal drugs. Jane was becoming very depressed and was scared to leave her flat or answer the door.

Workers were able to offer Jane a number of options in an attempt to improve the situation. Jane chose to move from her flat and spent some time in supported short stay accommodation, before looking for an alternative home. Jane’s confidence begun to improve and she is now looking towards a brighter future.

Case Study 2 – South Warwickshire

David, a 25 year old man with a learning disability, lived with his older sister, Jenny. He attended a day service most days and workers became concerned that he was losing weight and seemed unhappy.

Peter, David’s key worker at the day centre, tried to find out what was wrong but David was very reluctant to talk. Peter contacted Jenny to talk about his concerns but she also seemed very reluctant to talk. David seemed constantly hungry at the day centre but still appeared to be losing weight.

Peter expressed his concerns to the day centre manager who contacted the local Social Services team. A social worker arranged to visit David and Jenny and further investigations concluded that David’s needs were not being met at home.

David’s benefits were being used to pay off escalating debts and they were unable to buy adequate food. The heating had been cut off in their house and David’s and his sister were arguing a lot due to the great strain on their relationship.

The social worker encouraged David to see his GP for a health check and put David’s sister in touch with a debt counsellor. They also explained to her that David’s benefits needed to be spent on him.

Jenny had felt under a great amount of pressure and was relieved that she was facing her problems. Talking to her debtors she was able to agree smaller payments and therefore able to provide adequate food for David.
David was happier and as the arguments stopped he gradually begun to put on weight. The social worker continued to contact with the family for a number of months to ensure the situation continued to improve.

The names of the people in these case studies have been altered to protect their identity.

For more information about care services in the county please visit http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/socialservices

Link to WCC