6/30/2010

Learning disability awareness week

As visitors tucked into a summer BBQ party for people with learning disabilities healthier trainers were on hand to do health checks and give nutritional advice.

At an event for organised by Hammersmith and Fulham Action on Disability (HAFAD), Shepherds Bush Housing Group’s health trainers were checking blood pressure and BMIs.

The event was part of Learning Disability Awareness Week.

Wayne McGregon had his blood pressure checked by health trainer Katie Oliver. He said: “It’s good to have blood pressure checked; I like to look after my health.” He was there as part of the Baked Bean Theatre Company, which is a collective of actors with learning disabilities who devise and produce their own plays and films.

According to MENCAP 1.5 million people in the UK have a learning disability and different people have different levels of needs and support. The event raised awareness of services in the borough for residents with learning disabilities.

The health trainers saw lots of different people; carers, visitors and other professionals throughout the day checking their health and providing guidance on giving up smoking, nutrition, exercise and stress management.

Katie Oliver, a health trainer, said: “At the event we spent time with the carers of people with learning disabilities. Our health trainer for carers service enables them to manage their time and care for themselves as well as others focussing on their specific needs.”

For more information
Hannah Stokes
Tel: 020 8996 4237
Email: hannah.stokes@sbhg.co.uk