17 June 2010
NHSG/85/10
Learning Disabilities Week 21-27 June
NHS Grampian healthpoints will be supporting Learning Disabilities Week, which is 21-27 June.
In partnership with Learning Disability Services, NHS Grampian healthpoints − these offer free and confidential health advice from trained staff on a wide range of topics − will be hosting drop in events in Aberdeen, Elgin and Peterhead, designed for people with learning disabilities.
Visitors will receive advice and information on health promotion, including a free mini lifestyle check, confidential information about health and wellbeing, and the chance to take part in a food taster session.
People with a learning disability have different health needs from the general public, they often face inequalities and accessing services can be difficult. The drop in sessions, supported by both healthpoint staff and Learning Disability staff, will provide an opportunity to promote healthy living for this group of people.
The Learning Disability Services will be launching their new range of information on key health messages of exercise, drugs, smoking, breast feeding, oral health, mental health, alcohol, and healthy eating.
"I am very excited about this opportunity to encourage people with learning disabilities to learn more about leading a healthy life and how NHS Grampian healthpoints can support this," said June Brown, NHS Grampian Nurse Consultant for Learning Disabilities.
"It is important for us all to lead healthy lives and more so for people with learning disabilities, as they are more likely to have greater health needs. The new, accessible health messages will help people understand the national key health messages, for example the exercise leaflet shows how we can increase levels of activity and healthpoint staff can discuss manageable ways to help achieve this, whist meeting the individual's needs."
Healthpoint drop in dates and venues:
Aberdeen Indoor Market on Monday, 21 June, from 11am to 3pm
Foyer of Cedarwood Day Centre, Elgin, on Tuesday 22 June, from 10am to 3pm
The Hot Spot, Peterhead, on Thursday, 24 June, from 11am to 3pm