In the UK, around 1.5 million people have a learning disability – a neurological condition someone is born with, resulting in a reduced capacity for learning new information.
Some conditions, such as Down’s syndrome or cerebral palsy, are usually diagnosed before or shortly after birth but most learning disabilities are spotted when childhood development milestones are missed.
Learning disabilities present in a variety of ways. Common characteristics include:
- Reduced capacity to learn new skills and information.
- Challenges with daily living skills like personal care and managing money.
- Difficulties with reading, writing, maths, and other educational skills.
- Difficulty communicating, expressing feelings and understanding others.
- Impaired social skills and forming / maintaining relationships with others.
- Behavioural issues: impulsiveness, hyperactivity, anxiety, and frustration.
Sometimes, learning disabilities can present other challenges, such as additional physical health needs or mental health issues.
Emotional issues and mental health struggles are commonly misdiagnosed in people with a learning disability. Conditions like depression and anxiety might present in a way that means they’re confused with other learning disability behaviours.
Accessing support
Many individuals with a learning disability will require various levels of support throughout their whole life. From minimal assistance to more involved care, additional support is essential to help someone develop daily living skills, build meaningful relationships, and seek education or work opportunities. All these parts add up to individuals leading enriched and fulfilled lives.
Our mission
At Voyage Care, we have a clear mission: to provide high-quality care and support to people with learning disabilities, so they can live fulfilled lives and play active roles within inclusive communities.
Alongside the expert support we provide, we remain committed to advocating for the people we support by campaigning for greater awareness and support at a community level. Our specialist teams establish strong links with local communities, breaking down barriers and opening opportunities for the people we support.
Our values
As a values-led organisation, we work to empower the people we support with truthfulness and honesty, laying the foundations for delivering our great quality care and support. We believe each person we support has the right to make their own decisions and live the life they choose, while feeling safe, supported, and valued.
Our support
Our approach to supporting you is what makes us unique. We use person-centred support, which means we put you at the heart of your care. From the moment you join us, you’re in the driving seat of decision-making, working with your support team to create the life you want.
Your assessment
We’ll guide you through your initial assessment, where we get to know you as an individual, gaining a deeper understanding of your unique needs, ambitions, and preferences. Together, we’ll draw a picture of what your support will look like and set some goals for you to work towards.
Your journey
Once you’re on board, you lead the way with your care and support! This includes hand-picking your support team. Finding people you connect with is important to your development, so we empower you to get involved with selecting your support staff.
Your team
Our expertly trained teams are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to support you in a variety of ways, including:
- Health care – including mental health.
- Daily living support
- Social engagement
- Managing your money
- Education and employment
- Planning for the future
Your choice
Listening to your feedback and opinions, we support the choices you make, empowering you to live the life you choose. Focusing on abilities, not disabilities, we join you on a journey of self-exploration, so you can live the best life possible.
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