The importance of accessing health services

Students with health certificates

At Share we’re committed to reducing the health inequalities that exist for adults with learning disabilities who on average die significantly younger than the rest of the population. Our My Community and Me project helps our students develop real life skills out in the community including how to take control of their own health needs. We aim to link people with local health providers, promoting checks and screening to reduce avoidable illness and health conditions.

Helping those with learning disabilities understand why health checks are important and what actually happens when they have one is a key step. It helps people feel more relaxed and confident about accessing services and can remove the anxieties that often surround visiting the doctor.

Our recent trip to Chatfield Medical Centre certainly helped. Jane Bell, the senior healthcare assistant, took the time to show our students what sorts of things you might get checked for at the GP surgery. The students practised having their blood pressure taken, standing on the scales, having their ears checked and asked questions about other medical procedures. Afterwards, they practised making appointments with the receptionist and all the students received a medical appointment reminder

All the staff were so friendly and welcoming, talking with our students to put them at ease and encouraging them to visit their GPs in the future.

For more information on My Community and Me please contact Jenny Bourlet on 020 7801 9813 or email jennyb@sharecommunity.org.uk

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