MCCH took over the delivery of services for those with a learning disability from Bexley Borough.

Its mission statement is all should be entitled to a home of their own, a job and a social life.

The problem is those with a learning disability require good, ongoing support in order to succeed.

Many are already placed in supported living and the plan is all will be, as monies can be claimed from a different pot.

There are clients being told they are adults and can make their own decisions and plan their own activities and social life.

The majority do not have the experience to make valid choices nor to make ongoing plans, without the backup from support staff.

This means many are becoming isolated and anxious.

The plan is they will change over to receiving direct payments so they will pay for their own support.

This will mean support for a few hours a week, because the money will not cover more.

Day centres may not have been ideal in the past but they were a safety net where staff who got to know members really well could pick up problems and seek to get them rectified before they escalated.

MCCH has adopted a policy of moving staff frequently, saying members should not get too attached to those working with them.

However, clients need time to build understanding with staff and to put their trust in them.

MCCH has a background of supporting people with mental health issues.

Learning disabilities are a different ball game and staff with a long history of supporting this group should be listened to and valued.

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