Learning Disability and Life Expectancy
Exploring issues surrounding access to health information and screening.
About the Project
Wiltshire Council Public Health has recently led a project at the Medley Day Centre which piloted health screening talks and packs with those who use the service. Voice It, Hear It led a consultation to explore how effective this activity had been and to explore issues surrounding access to health information and screening.
This project aimed to understand the experiences of health screening among people with learning disabilities, identifying where the process works well and where improvements can be made.
Engagement methods included art sessions, workshops, surveys, and educational talks on various health issues.
Key Messages
The talks delivered by Public Health staff were well-received, leading to immediate and positive changes from some participants.
Participants reported that the discussions helped them better understand the importance of health screenings and encouraged proactive health behaviours.
Direct outcomes included increased engagement with personal hygiene, such as regular teeth brushing and hand washing, as well as an uptake in self-checks for testicular health following conversations around prostate and testicle screening.
Developing and Embedding Accessible Information
The findings of this project support the need for health support and screening information to be consistently presented in clear, accessible formats. This practice should be embedded across various community settings to ensure everyone can understand and act on the information provided.
Enhancing Positive Experiences
Providing sufficient time for individuals during screening appointments, along with opportunities to ask questions, significantly improves their experience. This approach helps make even invasive procedures more manageable and less intimidati
Promoting Effective Communication
Clear, open communication and the use of straightforward, appropriate language are essential in addressing myths and reducing confusion around healthcare and screenings. This helps build trust and understanding between healthcare providers and individuals, particularly those with learning disabilities.
Learning Disability and Life Expectancy Report
Findings from the project are presented in the report which you can download using the ‘download report’ button.
For questions about the report, please email: voice@communityfirst.org.uk
”Some people feel they can choose for themselves what is healthy food to eat, but others cannot make good decisions regarding healthy eating and need support to make the right choices.”
“Explained what was going to happen and made me feel comfortable and relaxed.”
Feedback and Next Steps
You Said, We Did
Following the completion of a Voice It, Hear It engagement project. Wiltshire Council will share a project update outlining how the feedback from this project has been considered and acted on. This update will usually follow within six months.
Funded by:
