An open invitation to help shape Somerset’s services for people with Learning Disabilities is being offered this month.

The Somerset County Council-supported Learning Disabilities Partnership Board (LDPB) is holding an event on Monday 19 January at The Canalside conference centre, near Bridgwater. Anyone with an interest in learning disabilities is encouraged to come along.

The LDPB is made up of organisations like the County Council which have an interest in promoting and championing the rights of people with learning disabilities and improving the services available to them. The January ‘Big Day’ event will be a chance to find out more about the board’s work and the many ways there are to get involved.

Councillor William Wallace, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “With the Council’s in-house services in the process of moving to a social enterprise, now is a very exciting time for Learning Disabilities Services in Somerset.

“Everyone who plays a part in providing these services wants to make sure that as many people as possible are involved in the way they develop in the future.

“Whether you have learning disabilities yourself, care for someone who has or just have an interest, we would urge you to come along.”

The board is coordinated by Somerset Advocacy and jointly chaired by a person with learning disabilities and a carer. It talks to councils, the NHS, service providers and other groups to make things better for people with learning disabilities.

One of its roles, which it will be undertaking at this month’s event, is to look at the County Council’s Learning Disability Joint Self-Assessment. Every year the Council has to provide the Government with its view on the help and support available in Somerset – what is working well and what needs to get better.

The Board looks at the assessment to check that its members think it is accurate or whether the assessment needs changing and adding to.

The Big Day event will be taking place between 1.30-3.30pm at The Canalside , Huntworth, Bridgwater, TA6 6LQ. If you would like to attend – or if you cannot attend but would like more information about the LDPB – please email JBellew@somerset.gov.uk or telephone 01823 359074.