The meetings focused on three main themes across Norwich, North, West, South, and East localities:
- Update from the Learning Disability Partnership Board
- Overview on Benefits (with DWP involvement)
- Staying Safe Out and About (community engagement)
🧠 1. Learning Disability Partnership Update
- Rachel Gates gave a progress update on the Learning Disability Plan.
- The Plan will be reviewed annually by the Learning Disability and Autism Programme Board.
- Marie Smith (Carers Matter Norfolk) spoke about improving services for carers of disabled individuals.
💷 2. Benefits Overview (DWP)
- DWP representatives attended all but the West locality.
- Key topics:
- Universal Credit is replacing several benefits.
- PIP and Carer’s Allowance were explained, including eligibility.
- Guidance provided on how to apply and what documents are needed.
- Questions answered on reporting involvement payments, visiting team support, and pension differences.
🔗 Helpful links to easy-read benefit guides were shared:
🛡️ 3. Staying Safe Out and About
- Covered how to stay safe in public spaces:
- Definitions of harassment, hate crime, and mate crime
- Safety tips: planning routes, keeping valuables hidden, and emergency responses
- Advice on:
- How to report crimes
- Speaking with the police (including asking for simple language or an advocate)
- Scam awareness and Safe Places scheme
- Extra resources available at: www.learningdisabilities.org.uk
🗣️ Any Other Business
- Family Friendly Festival promoted for 14 June 2025 in Norwich.
- FITZFEST event shared in West Norfolk (21 June, Fakenham).
- Some concerns raised about limited rural bus services.
- South locality meeting was cancelled due to speaker absence.
To read the full easy-read Locality Notes click on the easy-read image
