Learning disabilities and autism event returns to Bucks

Buckinghamshire Council has announced the return of Access All Areas – an event aimed at showcasing the range of services that are available to support people with special needs and autism in the region.

There are over 2,400 people with learning difficulties and over 5,000 people with autism in the region, but many are not accessing activities or services that can support and encourage healthy lifestyles and wellbeing.

Access All Areas this year will be held in two locations.

The first event takes place at The Gateway in Aylesbury on 21^st October between 10am and 4pm.

The second event takes place in High Wycombe at the Highcrest Academy on 27^th October, from 10am to 4pm.

Run in partnership with the Buckinghamshire Integrated Care Board, Access All Areas is hosting free events aimed at young people (14+) and adults with a learning disability and/or autism. Carers, family members, friends and care workers are also encouraged to attend.

Both events will feature information stands and interactive learning activities from charities and services who work to support and promote equality for people with learning disabilities and autism.

This includes health services explaining what to expect from your annual health check, sporting activities open to everyone and advice on how to get your voice heard to make changes within public services.

NHS services will be at the events to promote health checks and checks you can do at home. These checks can pick up early signs of a problem and can even prevent problems arising in the first place, helping people with learning disabilities stay as healthy as possible.

There will be designated quiet areas for anyone needing some time-out and quiet hours between 10am to 11am and 3pm to 4pm.

Angela Macpherson, Chairman of Buckinghamshire's Health and Wellbeing Board and Cabinet Member for Adults and Health, said:

"With over 30 exhibitors from health, care, fitness, social and wellbeing sectors and plenty of hands-on demonstrations, the event is a must for anyone with a learning disability.

"If you, a loved one, or a friend can benefit from these Access All Areas events, please come along or encourage others to do so, to see what's on offer."

Dr Sian Roberts, Mental Health and Learning Disability Clinical Director for Buckinghamshire, said:

"People with a learning disability have worse physical and mental health than people without a learning disability. Our challenge is to close this gap and to reduce the numbers of people who die prematurely from preventable causes.

"Access All Areas will showcase the fantastic range of services that is available for people with learning disabilities in Buckinghamshire that can support living and staying well."

Dr Sian Roberts encourages anyone with a learning disability to have an annual health check to screen for any developing health problems and then be supported to live a healthy lifestyle.

You can book free tickets and view further information at: https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/access-all-areas/