Learning disabilities

Our learning disability teams work with people and carers to promote independence. We offer advice and support to people on every aspect of living with a learning disability including:

• Healthy eating advice, health action plans and looking after yourself
• Getting the most out of local health and social services
• Meeting other people and taking part in activities
• Learning new skills

Our learning disability services are run in people's homes, health centres, nursing and residential homes throughout Barnet, Hammersmith & Fulham, Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster.

Service information for Hammersmith and Fulham, Westminster or Kensington and Chelsea can be found on the service page.

As well as the above, the Barnet team also help with mobility and postural care, communication and dysphagia (swallowing) difficulties.

You can find easy-read information about this service on the Barnet.gov website.

The team work alongside Barnet MENCAP, as well as social services, and team members include: physiotherapists, learning disability nurses and speech and language therapists. We are an integrated team so we also have psychiatrists and psychologists from North London NHS Foundation Trust and specialist learning disability social workers from Barnet social services as part of our team.

The Barnet Health Team, managed by Gabriel Turay, can be contacted by:

• Phone: 020 8359 6161
• Email: BLDSIntegratedduty@barnet.gov.uk

Address: Barnet Learning Disabilities Service, London Borough of Barnet, 2 Bristol Avenue, Colindale, NW9 4EW

We accept referrals from anyone. The service can be accessed by contacting our duty desk:

• Phone: 020 8359 6161
• Email: BLDSIntegratedduty@barnet.gov.uk
• Referral form: download the referral form.

Referral information needed

We need to know the details of the person being referred, what it is they are having difficulties with and what they would like help with.

Barnet learning disabilities team

Address: Barnet Learning Disabilities Service, London Borough of Barnet, 2 Bristol Avenue, Colindale, NW9 4EW

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9am till 5pm. 

We are committed to improving the experience and health outcomes of people with a learning disability, working collaboratively with local authorities. We provide a range of learning disabilities services.

These specialist services are expert in assessing and meeting the needs of these patients and their families.

Useful sources of support for people with a learning disability and their families

• People First (Hammersmith & Fulham, Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster) provides a wealth of information and resources covering the whole of the private, voluntary and public sector across these three boroughs.
• Getting it right for people with learning disabilities is a document published by NHS England aimed at parents, families and carers of those with learning disabilities.
• The Changing Places Consortium is a group of organisations working to support the rights of people with profound and multiple learning disabilities and/or other physical disabilities. Established in 2005, the Consortium campaigns for ‘Changing Places’ toilets to be installed in all big public spaces so people can access their community.
• 'Easy health' links to approximately 500 accessible and downloadable health resources, including: leaflets and flyers.
• Books Beyond Words is a provider of books, services and training for people who find pictures easier to understand than words. Whether supporting somebody with a learning disability or communication difficulty, the products and services aim to empower the user through pictures.
• Useful leaflet information to all service users, family and carers transitioning from children services into adult services with learning disabilities in Barnet.  
• Capable Environments Guide to help people with learning disabilities live a fulfilling life in the community by making sure an environment is created to meets their needs.
• Best Practise Communication Guidelines advises on how to talk to adults with learning disabilities and how to help them to understand what you are saying.​​​​​​​

Other important information

The Protocol for Improving Access to the Healthcare of People with a learning disability aims to ensure that the services provided to those with a learning disability and their families are person centred and of a high quality, whilst also meeting the requirements of the Disability Act 1995 and 2005 and Equality Act of 2010.

Hammersmith & Fulham learning disabilities team

• Address: Parkview Centre for Health & Wellbeing, Cranston Court, 56 Bloemfontain Road, London W12 7FG
• Phone: 0208 102 3889
• Opening times: Monday to Friday (9am to 5pm)

Barnet learning disabilities team

• Address: 1^st Floor, 2 Bristol Avenue, Colindale, NW9 4EW
• Opening times: Monday to Friday (9am to 5pm)
• Phone: 020 8359 6161

Kensington & Chelsea learning disabilities team

• Address: 1-9 St Mark's Road, London W11 1RG
• Phone: 0208 102 3889

Westminster learning disabilities partnership

• Address: 215 Lisson Grove, London NW8 8LW
• Phone: 0208 102 3889