Expert Insights

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27th July 2017

How can we help people with learning disabilities to improve their health?

We know that people with a learning disability have worse health than other people, and die sooner than they should.

They are 58 times more likely to die before the age of 50, and 4 times more likely to have a preventable cause of death. (Disability Rights Commission, 2006; Department of Health, 2008.)

Earlier this year, we were given some money from the NHS to help solve this problem.

But where should we start?

There are a lot of problems when it comes to making health and health services more equal, but we wanted to give people with a learning disability a simple message to take control of their health.

The message we are telling people is: claim your right to a free health check, be more active, and eat healthy food.

We made a film, following a character called Steve, with the aim of inspiring people to do these three things.

We also included a section about finding a job or volunteer role, because employment has proven benefits to somebody’s health and well-being.

You can watch the film here:

https://vimeo.com/225419333

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Topics: Learning Disability My Life My Choice

MLMC is an Oxfordshire based charity with a national profile whose prime objective is to raise the self-esteem and quality of life for people with learning disabilities. They do this by campaigning, and providing volunteering, training, employment and social opportunities for its members. MLMC also work with other organisations to help produce information for people with learning and communication difficulties that is simple and easy to understand. Read more

Expert Insights

How can we help people with learning disabilities to improve their health?

We know that people with a learning disability have worse health than other people, and die sooner than they should.

They are 58 times more likely to die before the age of 50, and 4 times more likely to have a preventable cause of death. (Disability Rights Commission, 2006; Department of Health, 2008.)