Speak Out

2. Speak Out Speak Out supports people with learning disabilities to have their voice about local services. We provide advocacy to individuals around health, work, benefits, support, money, housing, access to services.

3. People with learning disabilities can access self advocacy groups, 1:1 advocacy, drop ins and support to take part in community activities. Speak Out consults with people with learning disabilities and writes reports for the CCG on health issues and services.

4. Report on Health Action Plans • We have done a report on what people with learning disabilities said about health action plans • We have also done reports on mental health, well being for people with learning disabilities.

5. Speak Out gives advice and training to services on how to support people with learning disabilities better

6. People with learning disabilities want all health services to join the Thumbs Up Scheme

7. Joining Thumbs up is a commitment to meeting our ten top tips on good support for people with learning disabilities

8. The Thumbs Up commitment is to: 1. Listen to what the person is saying 2. Give the person extra time. 3. Use plain English that avoids jargon 4. Use pictures as well as writing. For example a picture of a venue as well as a map.

9. 5. If the person has a carer, talk to the person rather than the carer 6. If the person asks for help, show them as well as tell them. 7. Not ignore bullying. We will do the best we can to help if we think someone is being bullied.

10. 8. Offer good customer service. If we notice someone may need extra help, we will offer it 9. Offer help with access if we think someone needs it (e.g. steps and doors). 10. Do our best to make our service accessible to people.

11. Who are people with learning disabilities ? • There are about 5000 people with learning disabilities who live in Brighton and Hove • Learning disabilities can affect peoples’ communication, hearing, speech, understanding, learning, socialising and mobility • People can have mild, moderate, or severe learning disabilities. 

12. People may also have sensory impairment, physical disability, mental health issue or challenging behaviour. • Some people can’t read information and would need help to find their way or understand their choices . • People may have a little support, no support or a lot of support.  • It is not always obvious that someone has a learning disability.

13. Speak Out Trainers with learning disabilities want all GP practices to join the Thumbs Up scheme.

14. When you join your practice will get: A short dvd about good support A book about good support A Sticker to display to tell people with learning disabilities that you are part of the thumbs up scheme and want to give better support We will tell people with learning disabilities about which GP practices have joined through the Thumbs up website Access to feedback, and training from people with learning disabilities

15. We ask you to share the resources with all your staff from GPs to Admin to maintenance. • Being a member of Thumbs Up will help you to improve your service for people with learning disabilities.

16. Over 20 health services in Brighton and Hove have already joined Thumbs Up. 10 GP practices Hospitals 1 pharmacy Some dentists Oral health promotion Chiropodist CRI Alchohol services

17. To join: • Email: ingridashberry@bhspeakout.org.uk • Ring Ingrid at Brighton and Hove Speak Out on 01273 421921 • Email: traininggroup@bhspeakout.org.uk