People with learning disabilities in the borough have told the council that they want to be supported to live in their own homes, they want jobs, choice of opportunities open to them, to be involved in organising their support and have meaningful, informed choices about the way they spend their time. Reviews of support packages showed that 60 per cent using adult social care services in the borough could benefit from opportunities to gain life skills to help them thrive and achieve better their ambitions.

The council has gained significant insight from reviews and conversations with residents with learning disabilities, their families, and carers - from all ages across the learning disabilities community. It is clear from previous engagement activities that it is very important for people to be at the forefront of shaping future services.

A series of online events are being held for adults with learning disabilities, their families and carers, service providers and adult social care staff to discuss how support packages can help people to achieve better outcomes, starting with the first session on 31 March.

The workshops will bring people together to discuss ideas and seek solutions to co-create improved day opportunities, that better meet the needs of service users and their families/carers.

This approach puts individuals, families, and communities at the heart of planning for meeting care and wellbeing, to support independence, build resilience and better connect people with communities, activities, and opportunities - a new Health and Adult Services Vision for 2021 to 2024, ‘Working together to live the best life you can in Royal Greenwich’ will be launched later in the spring.

Councillor Miranda Williams, Cabinet Member for Health and Adults’ Social Care, said: “It’s really important that we talk to people with learning disabilities and their families about how they would like to spend their time and be supported.

“Working alongside residents, families, carers and community partners we will invest in modern and progressive services that build on people’s strengths and ambitions and potential for independence; be that education, life skills, work or spending more time with friends. Opportunities you would expect for everyone.

“Our residents with learning disabilities have experienced significant changes to the services they receive as result of the pandemic. We want to talk to them to see how we can take forward our day opportunities.’’

If you are the parent of a young person or adult with learning disabilities but are not in contact with us, you can register to attend this free event – go to www.eventbrite.co.uk or email day-opportunities-feedback@royalgreenwich.gov.uk