The Integrated Head of Learning Disability gave an overview of the report.

The Chair invited a local resident to address the panel. They gave an overview of their concerns stating that; the provision of suitable day opportunities can make a significant difference for those with learning disabilities, day centre activities can be particularly valuable both to the client and their carer. They welcome plans to expand provision to more sites and younger clients, some people benefit from travel training while others cannot manage it. Transport to new facilities is essential as some carers concerned that they will have additional responsibility e.g. arranging transport will be burdensome, even through the direct payment system. The council needs to ensure the system is not harder for carers and there is sufficient funding.

A panel member said we should not rely on voluntary services and asked what the impact of the saving will be. The integrated Head of Learning Disability said they are working closely with voluntary organisations such as Mencap and will provide navigators to support carers to manage they process. However, savings will need to be made.

A panel member asked where a community hub will be located and the governance structure in place. The integrated Head of Learning Disability said there will be a range of options for people to choose from on a sessional basis with a menu of activities.

A panel member asked if skills and new training will be linked to the workplace. The integrated Head of Learning Disability said they are looking at employability which looks at supporting younger people with autism, but they will need support to get into employment.

A panel member asked if there is a shortage of independent living options, the Integrated Head of Learning Disability said there is good availability of service but would like more in the Merton area.

A panel member asked if the team are aware of what the young people want. The integrated Head of Learning Disability said a wide range of consultation had been conducted with young people such as Kids First, Adults First, Merton Mencap and carers and young people in transition and send services. They would also like more young people on reference groups.

The Interim Director of Community and Housing said they have commissioned an external specialist agency who spoke to over 400 people to gauge their views of young people and older people across the borough with moderate to complex learning disabilities.

The Interim Director thanked the local resident for attending and sought to provide reassurance to panel members that there is a new purpose-built day centre at Leyton Road, for people with moderate learning disabilities. The department also has a desire to re-build a current day centre into a state-of-the-art day centre for those with the most complex needs, alongside supported living. The current day centres are well managed and valued by the users, however pre-pandemic it was found that this model is limited and old fashioned. During the pandemic, small groups of clients were taken out into the community to participate in a range of activities and this approach was very successful. This model will be looked at alongside all the other options. The council want to build a better system to provide opportunities for people with learning disabilities in their everyday lives such as through employment and volunteering.