University of Winchester academics produce study after New Forest Mencap commission
AN ACADEMIC study commissioned by New Forest Mencap has been hailed for identifying the needs of those living with learning disabilities.
Doctors Rachel Harrison and Sarah Earthy of the University of Winchester were asked by the charity to determine what activities it should offer clients and how it could improve its service.
After conducting a series of interviews with people with learning disabilities across the Forest, the doctors’ key finding was that although people appreciate learning new skills, it was the chance to meet and mix with others that was the “most important part” of Mencap’s offering.
The study found service users highly value the “opportunity to improve” their social lives and social skills through the charity.
The full report, entitled Engage, Listen, Act: How to Meet the Needs of People with Learning Disabilities in the New Forest and Surrounding Area, was presented to invited guests at the University of Winchester.
Dr Harrison, a senior lecturer in health and social care, said: “Social networks are vital for everyone’s wellbeing, health and being able to live our best lives.
“People with learning disabilities have networks that are significantly smaller than the general population. Therefore, seeking out the voices of people with learning disabilities, who are seldom heard in life, in policy and in research is vital.
“Being able to work with New Forest Mencap to provide them with the evidence they need to continue to offer and develop activities which create, maintain and promote social networks through a range of activities has been a real pleasure. Working together to learn from one another and to create and evidence positive social change is key to all our futures.”
New Forest Mencap chair Mike Snell CBE added: “I was delighted to see the inclusive and imaginative ways in which the University of Winchester researchers engaged with our members, leading in turn to significant numbers wanting to be involved.”
