When
Where
Locality
Meeting summary
People met in five different areas of Norfolk to talk about important issues for people with learning disabilities. These were:
📍 Norwich (16th October)
📍 North Norfolk (23rd October)
📍 West Norfolk (31st October)
📍 South Norfolk (6th November)
📍 East Norfolk (13th November)
What happened at the meetings?
The meetings focused on three main topics:
✅ Update on the Norfolk Learning Disability Partnership
✅ Sex and Relationships
✅ Norfolk Library Services
Each meeting also included discussions on how services can be improved.
1. Update from the Norfolk Learning Disability Partnership
Lee Gibbons is the new Co-ordinator for the Norfolk Learning Disability Partnership.
📌 New website with an Easy Read Library is available.
📌 They are looking for more self-advocates to join the Board.
📌 Self-advocates will receive an involvement fee for their time.
📌 The Board meets four times a year, with four extra meetings for discussions.
2. Sex and Relationships
Neil Howard from iCaSH Norfolk talked about free and confidential sexual health support.
💡 Services iCaSH provides:
Contraception (birth control)
Chlamydia screening
Testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
HIV support
📌 How to access support:
Website: www.icash.nhs.uk/norfolk
Phone: 0300 300 3030
Clinics in Norwich, King’s Lynn, and Great Yarmouth
📌 Other services available:
Pharmacies (Chemists) and GP practices also offer contraception and STI testing kits.
💡 Questions asked:
❓ Does iCaSH cover Waveney?
✅ No, Waveney is covered by Suffolk Sexual Health Service: www.suffolksexualhealthservice.org.uk
❓ Are STI testing kits sent with Easy Read instructions?
❌ No, but this is something they are working on.
📌 Next Steps:
The Learning Disability Partnership will send out an Easy Read Guide on sexual health services.
iCaSH will look at existing information before creating new easy-read materials.
3. Norfolk Library Service
Libraries are safe and friendly places where you can:
📚 Borrow books
💻 Use computers
👥 Meet friends and take part in activities
📑 Get help to learn to read
📡 Find information
📌 Warm and Well Spaces
Libraries offer warm spaces in the winter months.
Some libraries serve hot drinks all year.
💡 Questions asked:
❓ Do libraries charge people with learning disabilities for late book returns?
✅ No, there are no late fees for people with learning disabilities.
❓ Can I volunteer at my local library?
✅ Yes! Just ask at the library and staff will help you.
📌 Next Steps:
The Norfolk Library Service wants help from self-advocates to make their website more accessible.
4. Any Other Business
Opening Doors is running safeguarding workshops in Norwich, Yarmouth, and Cromer.
Some groups suggested finding better locations for Locality meetings to make them easier to attend.
Next Steps
📌 The next Locality Group meetings will continue to discuss important topics.
📌 More self-advocates are encouraged to join the Learning Disability Partnership Board.
📌 If you want to get involved, email: contact@norfolkldpartnership.org.uk