First Council in Scotland to adopt learning disabilities charter

South Ayrshire Council is the first Council in Scotland to adopt the National Involvement Network Charter.

The document highlights good practice for health and social care staff by involving anyone with a learning disability in designing services to suit their needs.

The charter has a series of guidelines to ensure that anyone receiving care has more control over the help they get. The Council and partners already work hard to ensure anyone being supported is heavily involved in decisions which affect them and have adopted the charter so that this good work continues.

The charter has been put together by those, receiving support from different social care organisations across Scotland. There are twelve aspirations focusing on issues from the virtues of independent living and community involvement to giving those with learning disabilities the opportunity to choose their support workers.

The charter has now been formally agreed by the Council and the Integrated Joint Board which oversees the Health and Social Care Partnership.

Councillor Rita Miller, Health and Social Care Portfolio Holder for South Ayrshire Council said: "The charter is an inspirational document and supports our commitment to putting people with learning disabilities right at the heart of decisions which affect them.

"We will continue to work with those receiving care and our partners to take the charter forward and ensure anyone with a learning disability is listened to and respected."

A ceremony to sign up to the charter is set to take place in the near future.