People met in five different areas of Norfolk to talk about important issues for people with learning disabilities. These were:
📍 Norwich (16th October)
📍 North Norfolk (23rd October)
📍 West Norfolk (31st October)
📍 South Norfolk (6th November)
📍 East Norfolk (13th November)
What happened at the meetings?
The meetings focused on three main topics:
✅ Update on the Norfolk Learning Disability Partnership
✅ Sex and Relationships
✅ Norfolk Library Services
Each meeting also included discussions on how services can be improved.
1. Update from the Norfolk Learning Disability Partnership
Lee Gibbons is the new Co-ordinator for the Norfolk Learning Disability Partnership.
📌 New website with an Easy Read Library is available.
📌 They are looking for more self-advocates to join the Board.
📌 Self-advocates will receive an involvement fee for their time.
📌 The Board meets four times a year, with four extra meetings for discussions.
2. Sex and Relationships
Neil Howard from iCaSH Norfolk talked about free and confidential sexual health support.
💡 Services iCaSH provides:
- Contraception (birth control)
- Chlamydia screening
- Testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- HIV support
📌 How to access support:
- Website: www.icash.nhs.uk/norfolk
- Phone: 0300 300 3030
- Clinics in Norwich, King’s Lynn, and Great Yarmouth
📌 Other services available:
- Pharmacies (Chemists) and GP practices also offer contraception and STI testing kits.
💡 Questions asked:
❓ Does iCaSH cover Waveney?
✅ No, Waveney is covered by Suffolk Sexual Health Service: www.suffolksexualhealthservice.org.uk
❓ Are STI testing kits sent with Easy Read instructions?
❌ No, but this is something they are working on.
📌 Next Steps:
- The Learning Disability Partnership will send out an Easy Read Guide on sexual health services.
- iCaSH will look at existing information before creating new easy-read materials.
3. Norfolk Library Service
Libraries are safe and friendly places where you can:
📚 Borrow books
💻 Use computers
👥 Meet friends and take part in activities
📑 Get help to learn to read
📡 Find information
📌 Warm and Well Spaces
- Libraries offer warm spaces in the winter months.
- Some libraries serve hot drinks all year.
💡 Questions asked:
❓ Do libraries charge people with learning disabilities for late book returns?
✅ No, there are no late fees for people with learning disabilities.
❓ Can I volunteer at my local library?
✅ Yes! Just ask at the library and staff will help you.
📌 Next Steps:
- The Norfolk Library Service wants help from self-advocates to make their website more accessible.
4. Any Other Business
- Opening Doors is running safeguarding workshops in Norwich, Yarmouth, and Cromer.
- Some groups suggested finding better locations for Locality meetings to make them easier to attend.
Next Steps
📌 The next Locality Group meetings will continue to discuss important topics.
📌 More self-advocates are encouraged to join the Learning Disability Partnership Board.
📌 If you want to get involved, email: contact@norfolkldpartnership.org.uk
