Our guide to supporting people living with learning disabilities

At Lifeways, we believe that living with a learning disability should never come at the cost of choice or independence. Our mission is to empower people by providing tailored support that meets their unique needs, fostering a life of dignity, growth, and community engagement.

In this guide, we delve into the thoughtful, person-centred approach we take to ensure that those we support can lead fulfilling lives. We focus on creating bespoke support plans for complex needs individuals that adapt over time, allowing for ongoing growth and development. Our collaborative process involves listening to the person’s aspirations, enabling them to co-produce their support and make informed choices about their day-to-day lives. You can learn more about this in our guide on How Lifeways supports those with complex learning disabilities.

Join us as we explore the various support options available for people with learning disabilities, hear inspiring stories from those we support, and discover how Lifeways can make a positive difference in their lives. Together, we can create a brighter future, one choice at a time.

Supporting people living with learning disabilities

Living with a learning disability should never mean living without choice. So at Lifeways, we pride ourselves on creating tailored plans that evolve with each person’s needs, enhancing their quality of life.

We’ve been supporting people living with learning disabilities for more than 30 years, and so we understand that the challenges people face can vary.

• Support for all types of learning disabilities
• Bespoke support plans
• Ongoing reviews

Like everything with Lifeways, our approach puts the individual at the heart of all that we do. It means we listen, we learn, and we build a relationship alongside building a person-centred support plan that’s totally unique to each person.

Our aim is for people to self-direct their support as much as possible. Whether they’re aiming to learn a new skill, increase their independence, or spend more time in the community, we’re here to help them exercise choice in all aspects of their daily lives.

Our support plans commit to regularly reviewing progress and celebrating achievements. We know that it’s really important to recognise steps forward, adapt to changes, and shape plans to support each different stage of a person’s life.

Simon's story

Simon lives with a learning disability, autism and epilepsy. Due to this and his anxieties when faced with new situations, Simon suffers from social isolation.

Simon needed to register with new healthcare providers. His support team worked with the selected surgery who were extremely accommodating – providing an opportunity for Simon to explore the premises out of hours. He was introduced to the practice nurse, GP and reception staff. Photographs were taken to add to Simon’s communication album. He now uses this as a prompt to reduce anxiety.

As a member of Simon’s support team, Julie, comments: “Simon is so much happier when he visits the doctors. If he ever starts to panic, he is able to use the pictures in his communication album as a calming strategy. It really works for him so that by the time we enter the surgery he is comfortable and happy to arrive.”

The surgery is always very welcoming. “This approach has been extended to give Simon greater community access, including his local hairdresser, chiropodist and optician.”

Our support options

We offer a range of support options including supported living and residential homes that have been designed to meet a wide range of needs. Our support is completely flexible, starting from just a few hours a week through to 24-7.

• Supported living
• Residential care
• Specially adapted housing
• Assistive technology available

Make a referral or arrange a visit

Learn more about the independent living that we provide, make a referral or arrange a visit by contacting Lifeways:

• Call 0333 321 4881
• Email referrals@lifeways.co.uk

You can download a printable version of this guide to share.

Download guide