Learning disabilities

Learning disabilities affect the way a person learns new things in any area of life.

What is a learning disability?

A learning disability can be mild, moderate or severe. 

Some people with a mild learning disability can talk easily and look after themselves, but take a big longer than usual to learn new skills. Others may not be able to communicate at all and have more than one disability.

A learning disability is not the same as a learning difficulty or mental illness. 

People with learning disabilities tend to have poorer health than the rest of the population. They can face challenges in accessing healthcare and improving their own health.

Requesting help and support

If you think you might benefit from social care support, you can:

This will help us to provide you with the right type of care and support.

Further information

You can find helpful information on the following websites:

  • Easyhealth website - this has easily accessible health information
  • Mencap website - this contains information about learning disabilities as well as links to a range of services
  • NHS website - this has more information on learning disabilities