DOCTORS in Solihull are starting support sessions for people who care for those with a learning disability or autism.
Residents interested in setting up their own ‘Small Supports’ organisations to help people with learning disabilities can take part in the sessions.
Run by the NHS Birmingham and Solihull Clinical Commissioning Group, the scheme for ‘Small Supports’ aims to create more community-focused organisations which offer intensive support that is bespoke to each individual and centred around their needs.
The CCG says the scheme will help a person with a learning disability or autism to have support shaped around them and their life in the community – which could include work, volunteering, having friends and contributing to their community as citizens.
People who set up ‘Small Supports’ organisations would be self-employed and would become micro-providers of support for people with a learning disability and/or autism in their local area.
Linda Lockwood, from NHS Birmingham and Solihull CCG, said: “Our ambition locally is to increase the number of small, locally-grown organisations that are capable of offering bespoke support for people with a learning disability and autism so they can live independently in their own home and live a meaningful life in their community.
“Without the right local support, they would be placed, or at risk of being placed, away from their families, friends and communities.
“We are really keen to increase the choice of providers for this type of care, and to support local people to set up and run their own ‘Small Supports’ organisations.
“The CCG is hosting a number of virtual drop-in sessions for those who might be interested in setting up their own organisations, which is a fantastic opportunity to ask questions, find out more information and to learn more about the level assistance that’s on offer.”
The sessions will be held using Microsoft Teams on June 24 from 15:00 – 16:30, and June 26 from noon – 13:30.
For more information, email [email protected] or visit birminghamandsolihullccg.nhs.uk/our-work/small-supports.
