There are many kinds of help available for people using the Learning Disability Service.
These are flexible and based on what each person wants. We try to make sure that people with a learning disability have services that really help them do what they want and have control over their own lives.
Service users can also fill in their own Person Centred Plan request/review form (PDF document)
For more information click each item below to view or scroll down the page to view all services.
Day Services
Short Breaks
Carers Information
Advocacy Together
There are a range of day services available for people who use the Learning Disability service. These include:
Beck House
Beck House is a large unit, which is the base for a variety of day services. The centre can cater for as many as 90 people, in small groups with a wide range of day care opportunities. The unit offers individual programs from music groups to training in basic horticulture.
Many of the services are linked to Beck House via satellite units. These include:
The Links (Learn Direct centre)
Techworx (Industrial and design unit)
DSLD (Art and craft department)
The Art Project (Community artist)
Halcyon Group (Over 60's club)
Foundations (Transitions service)
Nubeck Garden Centre (Horticulture)
Vane House (Drop-in and resource centre)
For further information on current day opportunities please telpehone Beck House on 01325 469080.
Advance Employment
Advance Employment is a supported employment service that will help you find a job. It is an opportunity to find employment that is within your chosen area of work and is appropriate to your individual skills.
As an employee you will be in a job that matches your skills and abilities and will be paid a real wage. It will give you the opportunity to increase and develop your knowledge and potential.
Advance Employment is an initiative set up by Morrison Enterprise Trust and Darlington Borough Council. For more information contact us:
Tel - 01325 387700
Fax - 01325 387650
Minicom - 01325 387695
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We offer a range of short breaks for people with a learning disability within Darlington, from activity evenings to respite care.
Holicote - 93 Newton Lane
Holicote is a purpose built 5 bed bungalow situated in the Branksome area of Darlington, close to neighbouring Cockerton and with easy reach of Darlington town centre. Holicote offers a range of services including overnight, sitting and activity-based services. Currently this service is accessed via a care co-ordinator. For further information please telephone 01325 469707.
The Greenbank Unit
Greenbank Road is situated within walking distance of the town centre. This service has 6 beds and 1 crisis bed and can be accessed via a care co-ordination assessment. The unit caters for people who may have continuing health care needs but wish to remain at home, and offers short breaks and a sitting service for people with a learning disability.For further information please phone 01325 743291.
The Links
Currently activity evenings are available for people with a learning disability as an extension of the services at Holicote. They are currently held on a Tuesday between 3-9pm and one Saturday per month. Activities can include trips to places of interest and in-house activities, which include sensory stimulation. For further information phone 01325 468877.
Independent Sector
The Learning Disability Service also commissions individual packages of care to other agencies for the purposes of domiciliary and short breaks. For further information on services available please call 01325 555940.
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New Carers Information Pack
Members of the Carers sub-group of the learning Disability Partnership Board have recently developed a new information pack for carers of people with a learning disability. A copy of this will be given to every carer at the next assessment or review of either their own needs or those of the person they care for. If you would like to receive a copy earlier, please contact DAD's Carers Support Service on 01325 357533
Are you aged 65 or over?
The sub-group is also looking at the type of support that carers aged 65 and over need. One of the first things we are working on is an Emergency Plan which will set out the type of support that the person you care for will need if you are unable to look after them at short notice. If you have any thoughts on this, please contact DAD's Carers Support Service on 01325 357533.
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Advocacy Together Darlington is an independent service for people using social care services who are experiencing difficulties in putting their views across to others. The service can support people with learning disabilities, older people, people with mental health problems and people with physical disabilities. It also supports carers of people who use services.
Advocacy Together can support people by assisting them to express their concerns, both verbally and in writing, to Adult Social Services as well as offering advice, information and guidance to make sure they get the most from their services.
It can also assist in the investigation of complaints made by people who use social care services and support them and their carers to attend meetings.
The service can be contacted at the CVS Buildings, Church Row, Darlington, DL1 5QD, by calling 01325 465337 or e-mail darlington@together-uk.org You can also talk to your Care Manager/Care Coordinator/Social Worker about making a referral.
You can also visit the Advocacy Together website
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