London Borough of Croydon

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Learning disabilities

What does the term learning disability mean?

This means that a person is much less able or slower than others to learn new tasks and to manage on their own without support from others. Some people with a learning disability may have other disabilities too, such as epilepsy or a physical disability.

Can I get a service?

You can get a service if:

  • you have a clear and permanent learning disability and need support to manage your life
  • you have specialist health needs that your GP cannot help you with
  • you live in Croydon or have always been supported by Croydon. (If another local authority already provides you with support, they may continue to do so.)
  • you are over the age of 18
  • you are the carer of a person with a learning disability who lives in Croydon.

What services are available for people with learning disabilities?

The following services are available for adults with learning disabilities:

Adult placement scheme

Recruits, supports, monitors and trains carers who can provide individuals with accommodation which is highly flexible and a significant alternative to other residential forms of support.

Advocacy

Advocacy Partners offer an advocacy service. There are also self advocacy groups such as People First and First Friday.

Day services

We have a number of day services offering activities for adults with learning disabilities. More information can be found under List of day services.

Direct payments

Our Circles of Support Project helps to increase the number of people with learning disabilities who receive direct payments.

In an emergency

You can contact the Joint Community Learning Disability Emergency Response Team Monday to Friday from 9am - 5pm both in an emergency and to find out about services.

Support with employment

We will try to support people to keep their jobs and help people get jobs and move into employment. Status Employment and other employment agencies working with us and local employers provide this support.

Home care

We can arrange help including personal and intimate care and, occasionally, other general tasks.

Housing and support options

We offer specialist help arranging the best housing options for you including residential care and nursing care.

Respite or short breaks

We run two residential respite centres, Craignish and Heather Way. There is also access to free respite to some clients in NHS residential homes.

Specialist psychiatric services

There are two consultant psychiatrists for adults with learning disabilities that work as part of the Joint Community Learning Disability Team. They can help people with a learning disability who have mental illness or challenging behaviours.

Transport

We aim to provide accessible transport for everyone who needs it.

How to contact us

If you need help with any of these services or would like more information and advice please contact us via Social Services for Adults or the Joint Community Learning Disability Emergency Response Team.

Out of office hours please contact the Emergency Duty Social Worker at the contact details below. Ask to speak to a social worker, leave your name and number, and a social worker will call you back.

Contact Details

Contact name
Social Services for Adults
Telephone
020 8726 6500
Minicom
020 8760 5797
Email
Referral.team2@croydon.gov.uk
Address
Taberner House
Park Lane
Croydon CR9 3JS
Contact name
Joint Community Learning Disability Emergency Response Team
Telephone
020 8239 4446 or 4447
Fax
020 8239 4288
Address
Rees House
2 Morland Road
Croydon CR0 6NA

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