Learning Disabilities and Autism

Somerset is committed to transforming care to make our health and care services better and support people with learning disabilities and / or autism to live in the community with the care they need and close to home.

Somerset has a number of groups and networks that are available to provide various services to people with Learning Disabilities and / or Autism. You can find further details of these by visiting Somerset’s Local Offer and Somerset Community Connect.

Our Strategic Vision Statement

Our strategic vision for Somerset (in line with the NHS Long Term Plan) is to support people with Learning Disabilities and / or Autism to look after their health and lead healthier lives.

We aim to do this by making sure that people receive timely and appropriate health checks and have better access to health services whilst improving the level of awareness and understanding across the NHS of how we can best support them as individuals.

We want people with Learning Disabilities and / or Autism to be able to say that:

• They have a fulfilling life as Somerset citizens, including having equal opportunities and being able to choose where to work, study, enjoy leisure and social activities as well as have meaningful relationships and friendships.
• They are able to have and / or remain in their own home.
• They can access good quality mainstream services when needed.
• They have timely access to good quality and safe specialist services as close to home as possible.
• If they need access to specialist bed provision this would be for the shortest possible time required.