Recently Andrew Matthews, our Chief Executive, went to talk with the National
Directors for Learning Disabilities.
The Day Conference was a chance for Chairs and Co-Chairs of Regional
Partnership Boards to meet and talk about the Regional and National picture.
Andrew was advised to make sure the Learning Disability Partnership Board is well
linked to the Health and Well Being Board for Cumbria.
The National Directors insisted that Advocacy 
Groups were a vital part of our future.
Members of these groups must be consulted
before decisions are taken.
Advocacy Groups must be supported to stay strong
and offer support widely.
The Directors fed back on the annual health assessment,
saying that:
- Breast screening, smear tests, high blood pressure and obesity were big issues.
- GP’s and hospitals needed more training.
- The quality of annual health checks must increase.
- They told us that everyone in the transition period must have a person centred plan by 2012.
They also told us that valuing people now will
stay – and its priorities will be carried out.
The slogan:
‘Nothing About Us Without Us’
was again highlighted as local authorities are
making decisions without consulting
with people in the correct way.