Helping People with Learning Disabilities and their Families Stay Well
People with learning disabilities can face more health challenges, but there are simple ways to stay well.
Getting your flu vaccine, having annual health checks, and asking for reasonable adjustments in healthcare can help keep you healthy and make it easier to get the care you need.
💉Flu Vaccines
Every winter, lots of people catch the flu. Flu is a virus that can make people feel very poorly.
People with a learning disability are more likely to get very ill if they catch the flu. That’s why it’s important for them to have the flu vaccine.
The flu vaccine is a quick injection that helps protect people from getting very sick from flu. You might be able to have a spray that you sniff up your nose instead of an injection.
It is free for anyone with a learning disability and for their carers – like a family member or support worker.
You can get your flu vaccine at your doctor’s surgery or at a pharmacy. You can bring someone with you for support, like a friend, carer or family member.
Daniel shares why getting his flu vaccine is important and how it helps protect not just him, but everyone around him.
Check out his advice for getting your flu vaccine.
Flu spreads easily and is worse than a cold. It can make people feel very unwell, and sometimes people with flu need to go to hospital.
Having the vaccine helps protect you and others around you. After the injection, some people might feel a little bit hot, have a sore arm or feel tired – but this is much better than getting the flu.
Information on flu vaccines is available in easy read format.
The flu vaccine is quick, easy, and helps keep you safe.
📱Book your flu jab: book through the NHS App or website, or contact us.
🩺 Health Checks
Annual Health Checks are another important part of staying healthy.
If you have a learning disability and are 14 or older, you can get a free annual health check at your GP practice. This appointment is a chance to talk about your health, ask questions, and plan how to stay well.
During the check, you might talk about your medicines, lifestyle, eyesight, teeth, and general wellbeing. You may also have your blood pressure, weight, or a small blood test done.
These checks help your doctor spot any changes early, so you can get support sooner. If you need extra time or quiet support, let your practice know when booking – they’re happy to help.
⚖️ Reasonable Adjustments
Reasonable adjustments make it easier for you to use services and take part in your care. They are your legal right.
We want everyone to get the care they need. If we can help, please let us know using our Reasonable Adjustments form.
Examples of things we can help with include:
- More time during appointments
- A chat before to explain what will happen
- Easy-read letters and information
- Seeing the same clinician where possible
- Support from carers or family
- Flexible appointment times
- Quieter or brighter rooms if needed
- Accessible websites
These changes help you take part in your care, understand what is happening, and make decisions about your health.
🤝 Support from Our Community Link Workers
Our Community Link Workers, Andrea and Erin, help people with learning disabilities get the support they need. They work with your GP to make sure you can access services and activities that improve your health and wellbeing.
They can help you with:
- Finding social groups and community activities
- Joining fitness classes to stay active
- Exploring work or volunteering opportunities
- Getting help with health appointments like annual checks
- Making and using a Health Action Plan
They are here to make things easier, so you feel supported and included in your care and community.
Find out more about Erin and Andrea’s work, and how to contact them.