Locality Notes Spring 2025

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:

Universal Credit
PIP
Carer’s Allowance

🛡️ 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.