Learning disabilities

Services for people with learning disabilities |  Learning disability support organisations |  Dyslexia and other reading difficullties | 

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 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 adults with learning disabilities?

The following services are available for adults with learning disabilities:

Croydon Shared Lives Scheme

This is a scheme for adults with vulnerabilities who need support in order (formerly called Adult Placements)

Advocacy

VoiceAbilty 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 via Day services for people with learning disabilities.

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 in an emergency or to find out about services (details below).

Support with employment

We offer support to help people keep their jobs or get jobs and move into employment.  Employment Support Services within Croydon Day Opportunities Ltd (part of Croydon Care Solutions Ltd) provides personal support for people with learning disabilities.

Home care

We can arrange for home care help including personal and intimate care.

Housing and support options

We offer specialist help to arrange best housing options including residential care and nursing care.

Respite or short breaks

We run two residential respite centres, Craignish and Heather Way.  Access to respite care is also available 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 learning disabilities who also have mental illness or challenging behaviours.

Transport

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

How to contact us

For more information and advice, please contact 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 or leave your name and phone number and a social worker will call you back.

Contact Details

Emergency Duty Social Worker
Telephone 020 8726 6500
Joint Community Learning Disability Emergency Response Team
Department adult services health and housing
Telephone 0208 726 6500
Email Referral.team2@croydon.gov.uk
Address Taberner House
Park Lane
Croydon CR9 3JS
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
VoiceAbility
Job title Croydon Office
Telephone 0208 330 6644
Address McMillan House,
54 Cheam Common Road,
Worcester Park, Surrey,
KT4 8RH
Website http://www.voiceability.org/home/

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