Charity funding supports new Community Healthy Lifestyle Café for people with learning disabilities
Pictured, l-r: Ruth Lewis and Steve Squires from Carmarthenshire People First; Kate Hall, Clinical Lead Dietitian Mental Health & Learning Disabilities; Tracey Lloyd, Clinical Lead Nurse, Learning Disabilities
A pioneering new Community Healthy Lifestyle Café for people with learning disabilities is set to launch thanks to generous donations to Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board.
The project has received £11,700 in charitable funding and will provide a welcoming, accessible and non-clinical environment where people with learning disabilities from across the Hywel Dda region can learn about healthy lifestyles, improve their wellbeing and gain greater confidence in managing their health.
The year-long programme will offer monthly sessions at the National Botanic Garden of Wales in addition to events in Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire before the end of the year, bringing together people with learning disabilities, carers, self-advocacy groups and healthcare professionals. There will be a different focus each month and activities will include practical sessions on healthy eating, hydration, wellbeing, movement, health education and opportunities to access advice from specialist staff.
Lisa Bassett-Gravelle, Head of Adult Mental Health Inpatient Wards and the Learning Disabilities Service, said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone whose generous donations have made this project possible, it will make such a positive difference for all those who take part.”
Tracey Lloyd, Clinical Lead Nurse Learning Disabilities, said: “People with learning disabilities often face significant barriers when accessing mainstream lifestyle and wellbeing services, despite experiencing some of the greatest health inequalities in society. The Community Healthy Lifestyle Café will provide a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment where people can learn new skills, build confidence and gain practical knowledge about healthy eating, hydration, movement and managing their health.”
Kate Hall, Clinical Lead Dietitian Mental Health & Learning Disabilities, said: “Importantly, the café will also help people feel more comfortable engaging with health services and empower carers with the knowledge and skills they need to support healthier lifestyles. We are excited about the positive difference this project will make to the health and wellbeing of people with learning disabilities across our communities.”
The project will be co-produced with people with learning disabilities and supported by Carmarthenshire People First to ensure activities are accessible, meaningful and shaped by lived experience. It is expected to benefit between 250 and 340 people during its first year, including participants, carers, support staff and healthcare professionals.
Nicola Llewelyn, Head of Hywel Dda Health Charities, said: “We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supports Hywel Dda Health Charities.
“Your generosity enables us to fund projects that go above and beyond NHS core expenditure such as this Community Healthy Lifestyle Café which will have a such a positive and lasting impact on the lives of people with learning disabilities and their families.”
To find out more about new Community Healthy Lifestyle Café, you are welcome to attend the launch event on Friday 25 September at the National Botanic Garden of Wales. Call us on 01267 234635 to let us know if you would like to attend.