Newham Council usually has a big event to celebrate Learning Disability Week in June. Due to Covid-19, we have postponed our annual celebratory event.
This year’s theme is “the importance of friendships in lockdown”. Due to the current pandemic, we have all been living in lockdown. This means that many people with a learning disability are feeling more isolated, as they have been unable to see their friends and families.
We know that people with a learning disability already experience high levels of loneliness and social isolation and that this will only have been heightened by the lockdown.
Mencap, the voice of learning disability, want to highlight the importance of friendships to help with tackling isolation, as well as exploring the different ways of maintaining friendships during this unusual time.
Visit the mencap website to find out how you can get involved.
View the video of Councillor Ali, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care pledging his support for Learning Disabilities Week 2020 and how you can get involved.
The importance of friendships (and other relationships) in Lockdown
Friendships are important for most people. They can help us feel supported and are good for our mental health and wellbeing.
We know that the lockdown has been hard. It has made some people feel sad and lonely. We want all of our residents with learning disabilities to be supported to make and keep friends; keep in contact with family members; and maintain good relationships.
Tips on using Social Media, computers and your phones to keep in touch
Watch this video made by young people with disabilities for some handy tips for using social media.
Visit the Mencap website for some advice round safe use of the internet.
You can also download this useful guide to using Zoom – a video telephony and online chat service.
Social activities you can do from home
Why not join the Great British Home Chorus, an opportunity to contribute your voice and instruments to a digital music project, conceived in the light of closures to many communal rehearsal spaces nationwide.
Visit the Learning Disability England website for a range of resources on keeping connected, including Webinars (online meetings).
Information on healthy relationships and keeping safe
Visit the People First website for information on relationships.
The Change website for information on keeping safe online.
Ways to meet new people
Uniting Friends mission is to provide opportunities for people to take part in social activities which express their unique identities and develop their skills to reach their potential in the wider community.
Visit Uniting friends for more information.
Meet up is a group which allows you to socialise with other local people with Learning Disabilities. Friends, family, teachers and anyone interested in Learning Disability related discussions are also welcome to join.
Newham’s Friendship Club
Our Community Neighbourhoods teams help run Friendship Club for adults who have learning disabilities or autism. It is currently running remote activities. If you would like to join the WhatsApp group to find out more email CN.BecktonRoyalDocks@newham.gov.uk
You can download an easy to read guide on using WhatsApp.
