LD Operations

Our Learning Disability Operations include a range of services designed to support, develop and empower adults with learning disabilities across Harlow, Epping Forest and Uttlesford districts. These services include;

Formal Advocacy

We have a team of trained and experienced advocates dedicated to supporting adults with learning disabilities and other vulnerable adults through times of crisis.

Self Advocacy/Drop-ins

Cornerstone arrange and facilitate self advocacy groups to give individuals an opportunity to get together socially, discuss common interests and local topics. The meetings are informal and aim to boost an individual’s confidence in a secure environment so that they are able to speak up for themselves.

Citizen Advocacy

We are committed to inclusion and empowering individuals to not only speak up for themselves but for each other too. To this end we will be recruiting and training volunteers with or without learning difficulties to advocate for others who are going through changes or difficult situations.

Essex People’s Parliament

The Essex People’s Parliament meet on a regular basis to hear about, and feedback on, changes planned by local and national authorities. There are 2 Members of Parliament (MEPP’s) for each district across Essex who all have a learning disability themselves. Elections take place every 4 years and everyone with a learning disability is entitled to vote and/or stand for election.

Health Training

Cornerstone run free, weekly, user led health self advocacy groups across West Essex to discuss and learn about health topics, issues and services. Courses have included ‘Me and My Health’, ‘Girls Talk Men Talk’ and ‘Life Changes’. We have recently recruited a Health Project Lead to continue and expand on these popular group sessions.

Health Access Champions

Health Access Champions are employed by the local health trusts to represent learning disabled people in the area. They research what difficulties people with learning disabilities are facing in their local areas when trying to access healthcare. They also produce accessible leaflets and information packs. Cornerstone helped set up the scheme back in 2009 and now provide 1 to 1 support for the HACs when they are at work.

We work closely with other organisations and service providers including residential homes, supported living accommodation and care support providers, day centres, colleges and local social care teams to ensure the community needs are identified and met wherever possible.

We are also constantly seeking opportunities to better include and value individuals with learning difficulties in our community.