I am a learning disability nurse working as part of a multi-disciplinary team; providing specialist healthcare to adults with learning disabilities whose needs cannot be met by mainstream services alone. The team helps to ensure that people with learning disabilities receive the same care and treatment as everyone else when there is a concern about their physical or mental health.

My role is varied; no two days are the same. This is because the people we support are all unique and they may also have autism, dementia, epilepsy, mental health diagnosis or behavioural difficulties. They may require support to access services, information to understand screening programmes, diagnosis and treatment options relating to a whole spectrum of health needs. Additionally, I act as a GP link nurse, supporting GPs to manage a GP register and I act as a CPA coordinator.

Supporting adults with learning disabilities in the area of sexual health is often overlooked, it’s an area that many find challenging due to its sensitive nature. To meet this area of need effectively people who use our service require support but often family members and support staff also require support and training. I am very interested in supporting people with relationship and sexual health and education when their need falls outside of what mainstream services can offer. I have been working alongside sexual health colleagues to develop a pilot group; relationships and sexual health.

I believe the fellowship and support programme will enable me to complete this project effectively and empower me to put forward an effective plan to those who commission services to evidence the gap in services, highlight the area of need and also meet the need of individuals and support those who provide day to day care.