2022-07-18 12:17:32
Following the publication of the government’s ‘Building the Right Support Action Plan’, Kirsty Matthews, CEO of Learning Disability Charity Hft, said:
We welcome the government’s Action Plan, and hope it will truly and finally effect change to reduce the number of people with a learning disability and/or autism trapped in inpatient units.
Over a decade has passed since the government pledged to remove people from inappropriate inpatient settings, yet there are still more than 2,000 people with a learning disability and/or autism living in in-patient mental health hospitals.
These individuals are often far away from people and places they know, increasing the risk of loneliness and isolation from family, friends and community. It is vital that the new plan is put into place quickly, so everyone with a learning disability and/or autism can live with choice and control.
However, if the Government is truly committed to ‘transforming care’, they must ensure that alongside the plan, there is sufficient investment in housing and support for people with a learning disability and/or autism.
Only when everyone receives the support they need, and lives in a comfortable, accessible place they can call home, will we see a significant drop in the number of people in in-patient units, and the government’s pledge become a reality.
Notes to editors
For further information please email media.enquiries@hft.org.uk
About Hft
Proudly established in 1962 by a group of visionary parents, Hft is a charity supporting more than 2,500 learning disabled adults in England and Wales. Together, we are creating a future where learning disabled people and their families can live the best life possible.
Providing personalised support. Creating solutions for living independently. Coming together to campaign for positive change. Fundraising for new opportunities and a bigger impact.
In 2033, we’ll live in a world where learning disabled people have greater choice. About where they live. The support they need and want. And how to spend their time and money.
Learning disability versus difficulty
A learning disability is different from a learning difficulty but the terms are often confused and used inter-changeably. A learning difficulty does not affect general intellect, whereas a learning disability is a life-long condition characterised by a reduced intellectual ability and struggle with everyday activities.
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For more information about Hft please visit www.hft.org.uk
