Help for people with learning difficulties

We try to help people with learning difficulties get the support they need. We can help you get a learning assessment, learn new skills or find a place to live.

We have a range of information and guidance.

Types of disability

Learning disabilities can be mild, moderate, severe or profound. They are different for each person who has one.

For more information on the difference between a learning disability and a learning difficulty see our page on learning disabilities. 

Further information can be found on our pages on types of disabilities and conditions and specific learning difficulties. 

If you think that your child may have a medical condition, special educational need or disability there is information on getting a diagnosis.

Education and learning 

You can find information on support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families on our pages on the SEND local offer. 

There is more information on types of special educational needs, the Equality Act and reasonable adjustments on our what is SEND page. 

Find out about SEND choices, funding and school travel on our education and learning SEND pages. 

Advocacy support

Advocacy means getting support from another person to help you express your views and wishes, and help you stand up for your rights. Find out more on our advocacy support page.

Supported living

Supported living is where a person with a disability gets the help they need to live independently. Find out how to get support to live in your own place. 

Day services to help you lead a healthy and independent life

We aim to help people with learning difficulties to look after themselves and get the most out of life. Find out how our Choices 4 U day service can support people with learning difficulties to lead a healthy and independent life.

Safe places

Safe Places is a scheme to help people with communication difficulties feel safe when they are out and about. You can find out more on the safe places scheme page. 

Learning difficulties partnership board

We work with local organisations and groups to increase opportunities for people with a learning difficulty. Find out how we do this on our page on the learning difficulties partnership board. 

Our strategy

We have set out our vision and priorities for people of any age with a learning disability in the all age learning disability strategy 2022-27 or you can download an easy read version of the strategy. There is an action plan within the document which shows how we will deliver the strategy. 

Easy read information

You have told us which topics you most want to find out about. Find more information about council services on the easy read information page.

Learning Disability Week

Each year, the third week of June is Learning Disability Week. Organised by Mencap, it raises awareness of what life is like if you, or someone you know, have a learning disability.