Who provides them? Services for people with learning disabilities are provided by a number of authorities and groups.  The main providers are: 
Herefordshire Primary Care Trust and
Herefordshire Council through Social Care and Strategic Housing and Education. 
Aspire and a growing number of other trusts, voluntary and private organisations, and individuals also provide care and support. 

The Primary Care Trust and Herefordshire Council can purchase this care and support from other organisations or from their own provider services.  Members of the public can also buy some of these services privately..

Social Care and the Primary Care Trust have integrated their services under one management, with Social Care as the lead agency.  The Manager of The Learning Disability Service is Catherine Nolan.

You can contact Social Care yourself by ringing the local office – see SOCIAL CARE under OTHER ADDRESSES, or you can be referred by someone else, for instance a neighbour, volunteer, your GP, health visitor, school, or other agency.

ACCESS TO SPECIAL SERVICES

There are a number of services available to people assessed as needing them (assessment is carried out by a Social Worker, Community Nurse, Occupational Therapist or other appropriate people).  

These services include wheelchairs, continence pads, aids and adaptations, assistance with travel, and care assistants to help care for the person with learning disability at home. 

Access to these services can be via your local Social Care department or through the Community Teams for people with learning disability or your G.P. or consultant.

Children with Disabilities Team

The Kite Centre, 1 Ledbury Road, Hereford, HR1 2SX

Contacts: 01432 373940

Website: www.herefordshire.gov.uk

Parent Partnership Service

Children's Services, Blackfriars Street, PO Box 185, Hereford, HR4 9ZR

Contacts: Carol Soble - Parent Partnership Officer, 01432 260955

The aim of the Parent Partnership Service is to provide a range of services for parents to address this need by offering information, advice, guidance and one to one support. Services currently offered (Nov 06): Support during statutory assessment Parental supporters (Befrienders) Newsletter Courses for parents Readership Group Training for befrienders information helpline - staffed office, ansaphone and email

Email: parentpartnership@herefordshire.gov.uk

Website: www.education.herefordshire.gov.uk

Person centred planning co-ordinator

11, Corn Square, Leominster, Herefordshire, HR6 8YP

Contacts: Carolyn Green, Tel 01432 261555

Person centred planning means that a person gets to plan their own lives with the people I trust. It's about listening to the person and learning about they want from their lives now and in the future. If you or a family member want a plan, please contact Carolyn at the above address.

Email: cargreen@herefordshire.gov.uk

Website: http://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/health/disabilities/5808.asp