People met in five different areas of Norfolk to talk about important issues for people with learning disabilities. These were:
📍 Norwich
📍 North Norfolk
📍 West Norfolk
📍 South Norfolk
📍 East Norfolk
What happened at the meetings?
The meetings focused on three main topics:
✅ Update on the Norfolk Learning Disability Partnership
✅ Sexual Health and Relationships
✅ Questions and Discussions
Each meeting also included local news and upcoming events.
1. Update from the Norfolk Learning Disability Partnership
📌 Carers Strategy – Sharon Brooks spoke about the All Age Carers Strategy for Norfolk & Waveney, and the board agreed to support it.
📌 Feedback for Reports – Rachel Gates asked self-advocates what they had learned from the Learning Disability Partnership Board. This feedback will go into a report for the Integrated Care Board.
📅 Upcoming Events:
📢 Family Voice Conference – Saturday 22nd March 2025
📢 Co-Production Event at The Forum – Wednesday 9th July 2025 (10:30 AM – 3:00 PM)
2. Sexual Health and Relationships
🔹 A learning disability nurse and psychologist joined the meetings to talk about:
- Why learning disability nurses are important and what support they offer.
- Healthy relationships – the difference between friendships and romantic relationships.
- Boundaries and consent – what they mean and why they matter.
- Staying safe while dating online.
📌 How to contact Learning Disability Nurses:
📞 Call: 01603 638 560
📌 You can also contact Norfolk County Council reception and ask for the Learning Disability Nursing Team.
3. Questions and Answers
People asked important questions about support services:
💡 General Questions
❓ Can anyone refer to the Learning Disability Nurses?
✅ Yes, self-referrals are allowed, and parents/carers can refer with consent.
❓ What age range do they support?
✅ 18+
💡 Service Questions
❓ Are sessions one-to-one or in groups?
✅ All sessions are one-to-one to keep them person-centred.
❓ Is there a waiting list?
✅ Yes, up to 18 weeks if accepted.
❓ How many sessions can someone have?
✅ As many as needed.
💡 Relationships and Safety Questions
❓ What should I do if someone doesn’t stop when I say “No”?
✅ Leave the situation and tell someone you trust.
❓ Do they help if a young person is dating someone much older?
✅ Yes, they can give advice about relationships with age gaps.
❓ Would a couple see a psychologist together?
✅ No, they usually see a psychologist separately.
4. Local Updates
📍 Norwich Locality Group
- The group was asked about hybrid meetings (mix of face-to-face and online).
- All members preferred face-to-face meetings.
📍 North Norfolk Locality Group
- Event: PositiviTea – A social event for people with learning disabilities.
📍 West Norfolk Locality Group
- Reece visited Portcullis House in London to speak with MPs about the cashless society.
- He is waiting for a response and will update the group.
Next Steps
📌 More self-advocates are encouraged to join the Learning Disability Partnership Board.
📌 If you have questions or ideas, email: contact@norfolkldpartnership.org.uk
