Improving the NHS for people with autism and learning disabilities

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Healthwatch Cambridgeshire and Peterborough has produced an Easy Read version of its report  on what people think about local NHS services.

People with autism and learning disabilities say they need much more support and help to live full, healthy and productive lives, reveals a new report from Healthwatch.

Healthwatch asked people in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, including those with autism and learning disabilities, how they would spend extra money on the NHS to improve services. And the findings in the What would you do? report published a few weeks ago, highlight problems ranging from getting a diagnosis, treatment and support to not enough appropriate services and problems accessing services that are there – particularly mental health.

People with autism and learning disabilities told Healthwatch they would like:

  • Care from familiar nurses and GPs
  • Services and care closer to home
  • Better communication
  • Easy-to-understand information using simple words and pictures

One carer, in their late 60s, said: “There is no other help at all. Nothing proactive. Need to fight, remind, explain all the time. We three feel utterly abandoned now.”

Another carer said her sons had amazing minds and if they had support to deal with anxiety and sensory difficulties they could “maybe live productive lives.”

Give your views

Like to give your views or need information about local NHS services? Healthwatch, the independent champion for people using health and social care services, wants to hear from you.

Get in touch via the website, call on 0330 355 1285 (local call number) or email enquiries@healthwatchcambspboro.co.uk

Read more

Read the full What would you do? report

Read our Easy Read version of the main findings

Read a summary of the report

 

State of the Sector Survey 2019

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Support Cambridgeshire’s annual State of the Sector Survey for 2019 is now available to view here.

The survey informs infrastructure organisations such as Support Cambridgeshire, local authorities, funders and others of the challenges, trends and patterns taking place across the voluntary sector in Cambridgeshire.

So, what are the headlines for 2019?

  • A lack of funding is a major concern for voluntary organisations of all sizes, closely followed by the ability to recruit volunteers.
  • Most of the groups we work with are small, with 50% having a turnover of less than £50,000 and 66% with five or fewer staff.
  • There is an appetite for training in project development and management and strategic planning.
  • There is an appetite for networking opportunities, particularly in groups of people working in a similar field.
  • 89% of respondents feel it is important or very important that Support Cambridgeshire is there to represent the sector.

The full report can be viewed here.

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