The Learning Disability and Autism Health Equalities (Commissioning) Team is reviewing the Children's Learning Disability Service. Share your experiences and help us improve our services.
The Learning Disability and Autism Health Equalities (Commissioning) Team is reviewing the Children's Learning Disability Service.
This NHS-funded, community-based service supports children and young people aged 5 to 18 with a diagnosed moderate to severe learning disability and behaviours that challenge, who live in Southend, Essex or Thurrock. The current service is due for renewal in 2027, and your feedback will help shape the new contract. Staff from the service will be there so you can share your views directly and ask questions.
Who can attend:
- Parents and carers living in Southend, Essex or Thurrock who have a child[ren] and/or young person[s] with a diagnosed moderate to severe learning disability (i.e. IQ of 50 or below)
- Children and young people aged 5 to 18 who use or have used the service Unfortunately we can't accommodate babies or children under 5 at this venue.
There are a choice of 3 sessions, all taking place on Tuesday 28 October 2025:
- 10am to 11am. Booking link
- 12pm to 1pm. Booking link
- 2pm to 3pm. Booking link
Please book the session that suits you and include everyone in your party when booking
Venue:
- Marks Farm Community Centre, Dunstable Drive, Braintree CM7 3LT (venue is in located near Tesco)
- Free parking on-site
- Next to a large playing field
- 10 minutes from the nearest bus stop
- 20 minutes from Braintree Freeport train station
Refreshments:
Light snacks and drinks provided. Please tell us about any dietary requirements when you book.
Can't attend in person? Join the virtual Listening Event on Wednesday 22 October at 6pm.
Questions?:
Email Becca King, CYP Commissioner: Rebecca.king2@essex.gov.uk
* A learning disability is the way it affects a person learning new things in any area of life, not just at school. It affects the way a person understands information and how they communicate. They may have difficulty with:
- Understanding new information
- Learning new skills
- Coping independently (NHS 2015)
Examples of a learning disability include (but are not limited to): Global Developmental Delay, Downs Syndrome, Chromosomal Disorders, Fragile X Syndrome, Turner Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Foetal Alcohol Syndrome. Please note that Autism is not a Learning Disability however, around 50% of autistic people may also have a learning disability (Mencap, 2017)