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Help and Support for People with a Learning Disability
Who this page is for
This page is for people who have a learning disability. It is also for their families, carers, and friends. It tells you how we help you, and how to get someone to speak up for you.
What is a learning disability?
A learning disability affects how someone understands information and learns new skills. It starts in childhood and lasts all through life. It can make everyday things — like reading, dealing with money, or living on your own — harder, so the person needs extra support. It is not a mental illness. It is also different from a learning difficulty like dyslexia.
It can be harder to:
•    learn new things
•    understand hard words or forms
•    live on your own
•    talk to other people and be understood
Everyone is different. Some people need a little help. Some people need a lot of help. We will find out what is right for you.
How we help you at the doctor
We want you to feel safe and happy when you see us. We can:
•    give you more time in your appointment
•    give you the first or last appointment of the day if that is easier
•    write to you in Easy Read, with pictures
•    use simple words and check that you understand
•    let a carer, friend, or advocate come with you
•    give you a free yearly health check if you are 14 or older and on our learning disability list
Please tell us what helps you. We will write it down so we remember it every time. This is called a reasonable adjustment. It is your right.
Ask us to add you to our learning disability list (the “LD register”). This helps us give you the right care.
Your right to say yes or no
It is your body and your life. You have the right to make choices about your own care and treatment. This is called consent.
Here is what you can expect from us:
•    We will explain things in a way you understand, before we do anything.
•    We will tell you the good things and the risks, and what other choices you have.
•    We will ask you first, and wait for your answer.
•    You can say yes. You can say no. You can change your mind at any time.
•    We start by believing that you can make your own choices. This is the law.
•    If a choice is hard, we will help you. We can use pictures, easy words, or more time.
Sometimes a person is not able to make a big choice, even with help. If this happens, we still need to listen to what you want. We work with the people who know you to choose what is best for you. This is called a best interests decision. If you don't have family or friends to help, we can arrange for a special advocate (an IMCA) to support you. You will learn more about advocates below.
You have the right to ask questions. You have the right to bring someone with you. And you have the right to say no.
What is an advocate?
An advocate is a person who helps you speak up. They are free. They are independent — this means they are on your side, not the side of the doctor or the council.
An advocate can:
•    listen to what you want
•    help you understand your choices
•    come with you to meetings or appointments
•    speak for you if you find it hard to speak
•    help you write letters or fill in forms
•    make sure people listen to you and treat you fairly
How to get an advocate in Newham
Voiceability gives free advocacy in Newham. They can help with health choices, your care, and your rights. They also give special help called IMCA and IMHA when the law says you can have it.
Voiceability (advocacy in Newham)
Phone: 0300 303 1660
Email: helpline@voiceability.org
Website: www.voiceability.org/support-and-help/services-by-location/newham
Ask for Easy Read information if that helps you.
Other help in Newham
There is more help near you. You can ask for an assessment to see what support you can get.
Newham Council — Access to Adult Social Care
Phone: 020 8430 2000(choose option 2)
Textphone: 18001 020 84302000
Email: Accessto.AdultsSocialCareTeam@newham.gov.uk
Open: Monday to Thursday 9 am–5 pm, Friday 9 am–4:45 pm
You can also:
•    join the Newham Learning Disability Resident Advisory Group to have your say
•    go to free weekly activities and day services for people with a learning disability
•    get a live British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter through Newham Council
More helpful groups
•    Mencap — help and advice about learning disability: www.mencap.org.uk
•    Learning Disability England: www.learningdisabilityengland.org.uk
•    Scope — disability help and advice: www.scope.org.uk
If you are not happy
If you are not happy with your care, please tell us. We want to help and put things right. You will not get into trouble for telling us.
You can talk to us, or ask an advocate to help you. Contact your practice manager for more information.
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F4HG Team
Last updated:Â 3 August 2026
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