Self-advocacy groups supporting people with learning disabilities

by Sunderland People First

Two people using a laptop
Off

Many people with learning disabilities are at risk of being socially isolated, lonely and disconnected in these times of social distancing. An innovative response is being enacted by Sunderland People First 鈥 a self-advocacy group in the North East of England. They told iHuman:

鈥淲e are working in co-production with Sunderland CCG, Sunderland City Council and Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust.

The aim of the project is to keep people with a learning disability connected during the COVID-19 crisis, enabling them to stay safe and stay well:

  • helping people understand their current circumstances;
  • helping people to stay connected and prevent isolation;
  • helping people to problem solve;
  • supporting people to get help from other services if needed and signpost accordingly;
  • ensuring people know what to do and who to contact in an emergency.鈥

iHuman is excited by this initiative. To find out more 鈥 and to get involved 鈥 visit 

Robot reading books

iHuman

How we understand being 鈥榟uman鈥 differs between disciplines and has changed radically over time. We are living in an age marked by rapid growth in knowledge about the human body and brain, and new technologies with the potential to change them.

Centres of excellence

The University's cross-faculty research centres harness our interdisciplinary expertise to solve the world's most pressing challenges.