The Government is giving £85,000 to boost a newly-formed partnership designed to give people with learning disabilities in York, Selby and Easingwold a real voice in the issues that affect them.

The York, Selby and Easingwold Learning Disability Partnership Board, also known as the Valuing People Board, was set up last October but will be publicly launched tomorrow (Tuesday, June 18) at its latest meeting.

The board is a partnership of people with a learning disability, carers, private and voluntary agencies and members of statutory services such as leisure, education, the primary care trust and community services.

It has been set up to give people with learning disabilities and their families a real say in the way support services are organised and run for them in the city and other areas.

The partnership also has a role in putting into place locally the Government's plans for people with a learning disability. These plans were published in a paper called 'Valuing People'.

Since October, the board has been working hard to put the plans into place and many people have contributed by taking part in various sub groups that report to the board dealing with issues such as modernising day services, advocacy and quality issues.

In March, the board asked for some money from the Government to help put into place some of the priorities set locally, and it has been awarded a total of £85,000 for the area to help with advocacy, modernising day services, and person-centred approaches. Work is still going on to work out how best to spend this money, for the benefit of York, Selby and Easingwold Citizens.

Information on the board and its work can be obtained from Anne Bygrave at City of York Council on 01904 554148.

City of York Council is one of the partner agencies supporting the board alongside health, employment services, voluntary organisations and community groups.

Jim Crook, the council's director of community services and chair of the board, said, "This is an important initiative to help empower, raise the profile and increase the opportunities available to people with learning disabilities who are valued citizens.

"The board will work in partnership to improve the opportunities and life chances available to people through education, employment opportunities, leisure and better services generally."

Across York Selby and Easingwold Social Services and Health Services spend around £10 million a year supporting people with learning disabilities. Services range from supporting people to live in their own homes to training in preparation for employment.

Specialist services provided by the council or independent organisations on behalf of the council provide support during the day for around 400 people.

The Valuing People is the first Government initiative for over 30 years aimed at trying to improve the daily lives of people with learning disabilities. The thrust of the work is to ensure that people with learning disabilities enjoy the same rights and access to activities as the rest of the community. They should have greater choice and be included in their community.

Valuing People will look at all aspects - housing, employment, leisure activities, accessing ordinary health services as well as support for carers and helping people with learning disabilities have a greater say in the help that they receive.

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