2020 will have been one of the most difficult years many of us have had.
But we also have learnt a lot and we can carry forward a lot of what we have learnt into 2021. Look at our news feed to see some of the things that happened.
We have learnt how important it is to work together and support one another. The accessible information campaign really shows how well our members can do this.
We have also learnt that the internet and technology is key if we are to do this and for staying connected in general. The Open University Report ‘Filling the Gaps’ really explains this more, you can read about it here.
It is also clear how strong we are as individuals and as organisations and that we can be resilient in really difficult times. Learning Disability England, in partnership with the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities did online mental health training to make sure members and partners were staying safe, well and connected.
There are also some areas where we might hope to see things get better because we know what went wrong.
For example, the Public Health England’s and University of Bristol’s learning from deaths report taught us many things we can use in the future. Professor Chris Hatton did a presentation on the reports in one of our webinars. You can also find the reports to read here.
At the same workshop other members shared what they have done as self-advocates, supporters, Councils and community groups to keep safe, keep connected and stay well. For example, Mary Schum from Certitude spoke about how they review their work every time someone dies. See the recording of the all the presentations here.
One thing the reports taught us is how important it is that people with learning disabilities are treated right within healthcare and what can happen if they aren’t.
So, we must learn from what we did well this year, but also from our mistakes and what we did wrong.
Lockdown 3.0 FAQ’s
What are the main rules that we have to follow?
Here you can read the current guidance which includes all the rules we must follow – New national lockdown guidance.
The NWTDT has also made a video on staying home and the new guidance that has come into place. Or you can read an easy read document from Cornwall People First here.
Is it different if you live in care home?
Close-contact indoor visits are not allowed in care homes unless they are behind screens, a window or in visiting pods.
Is it different if you get support in supported living?
Visits with support bubbles are still allowed. Supported living managers, care/support workers, people being supported and their families and friends should follow the national guidance on support bubbles and meeting others.
Read the full national guidance on support bubbles here.
Read the full COVID-19: guidance for supported living.
Can you still have a support bubble?
Yes, you can still have a support bubble if you live alone.
What is the advice if I have been told to shield?
The government has updated their shielding guidance.
How do I find out more about the vaccine?
You can read all the current guidance documents, including information about who will get the vaccine first on our Hub –Covid-19 Vaccine – Learning Disability England
Are people with a learning disability a priority for the vaccine?
Some people who have complex health conditions or a severe learning disability are in the priority groups – Read about priority groups for coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination: advice from the JCVI.
Learning Disability England has been campaigning for all people with a learning disability to be a higher priority – Read our campaign update and the reply from the JCVI here