A new learning disability strategy has been launched with the aim of making Worcestershire a great place to live for people with learning disabilities.

It is designed to be a 'go-to guide' for all organisations and residents across the county, to get involved and to work together to make positive change to the lives of people with learning disabilities and their families.

The strategy has been produced by Worcestershire’s Learning Disability Partnership Board.

It has five key principles: working together, supporting each other, including everyone, treating people fairly and enabling good lives.

The strategy sets out aims and actions within seven themed areas, focussing on housing, health, inclusive communities, purposeful days, key life transitions such as becoming an adult and moving into older adulthood, being safe and carer support.

Rachel Barrett, expert by experience and member of the Worcestershire Learning Disability Partnership Board said: “As expert members of the Learning Disability Partnership Board, we are pleased that people with learning disabilities have been involved in developing the strategy.

"It’s good to be working in co-production as part of the Partnership Board, to be included and have our voices heard. We want to work together to get things changed for people with learning disabilities in Worcestershire.”

Councillor Adrian Hardman, cabinet member with responsibility for adult social care at Worcestershire County Council, said: “We welcome this strategy which is about everyone working together in partnership on an equal basis to create improvements for people with Learning Disabilities across the county. At Worcestershire County Council, we want to work together with our partners to help achieve this vision.”

The strategy is designed to be as accessible as possible, with jargon busters, explainers, Easy Read Photo Symbols, quotes, case studies and photos, which are all of people from across the county.

The Learning Disability Partnership Board is a partnership of stakeholders from across Worcestershire including people with Learning Disabilities, family carers, providers of services, and professionals from across health, social care and community services.

To read the strategy and find out more, visit the Learning Disability Strategy pages of the Worcestershire County Council website.