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GP Learning Disability Register


People with a learning disability can get extra support from their GP and other health services by being on the GP Learning Disability Register. The GP Learning Disability Register is an all age list of people registered at that GP Practice who have a learning disability. The register then alerts the GP they have a learning disability so they can put the appropriate support in place for that person and invite them to the relevant check-ups they are entitled too.


By informing the GP Practice a person has a learning disability it means they can provide better support for that person. They can also share the information with other health professionals who may need to support them so they can also provide the reasonable adjustments and support they might need.


It’s really important to ensure your child or young person with a learning disability is on the register, even if they are mainly cared for by the Paediatrician. This is because it allows the GP Practice to know the child has a learning disability at the earliest opportunity and to build a relationship with the child or young person before they transition in to adult services. It also means they can access their Annual Health Check age 14+, Dr Jim Gordon explains why it is important here. You can find out if your child or young person is on the register by contact your GP, if they aren’t on please ask them to add them to it.


Mencap are running a campaign called Don’t Miss Out about making sure people check they are on the GP Learning Disability Register. A range of resources and more information about this can be found here.


You can watch this short film about Annual Health Checks and why they are important here.


More information about Annual Health Checks can be found on the NHS England website here.


Information in the City

Information in the City

http://informationnow.org.uk/articles/602/information-in-the-city

The above four websites provide information regarding:-

Information Now:

Newcastle's Older People's information and advice website: Helping you to plan ahead, make choices and live a good quality of life.

Health signpost directory:

Discover local groups/services who provide support, advice and activities to improve your health and well-being

Family information services:

A guide to local organisations, childcare and events.

Patient information centre:

Mental health and wellbeing information including self help guides, health information in other languages and a searchable self help and support directory.

Social Prescribing

Social Prescribing is where you are prescribed activity or exercise to improve your physical and mental health. It may be used in place of medication or alongside other forms of treatment. It’s also known as a community referral.

Who is Social Prescribing for

Social Prescribing works well for people with:

  • mild or long term mental health problems
  • long term health conditions, such as: multiple sclerosis, diabetes, heart disease or people who need to lose weight
  • loneliness
  • social or emotional needs
  • and for people who make repeat visits to health care services

How does Social Prescribing work

  1.  GPs, nurses or healthcare professionals refer you to a Social Prescribing Service. You are given an appointment with a  Link Worker also known as a connector, navigator or an enabler.
  2.  they work with you to understand your needs and interests to create your personal plan.
  3.  you are referred to activities in your community such as cooking classes, gardening, art, music, exercise, lunch clubs, volunteering and much more.
  4.  support may be given to you to attend activities in the community until you feel confident to attend independently.
  5.  further appointments and continued support are offered where needed.
Examples of how Social Prescribing may help

If you are feeling lonely being referred to a social group or activity might help you to feel happier and more connected.

If losing weight may help to you to improve your health, walking groups or a community gym sessions can help.

How to access Social Prescribing - Speak yo your GP



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