If you have learning disabilities and/or autism or are caring for someone with learning disabilities and/or autism you will know that problems experienced vary on an individual basis and require different levels of support. The same is true of mental health problems and, like anyone, this can occur at any stage of life. People with a learning disability and/or autism can be more likely to experience poor mental health and being able to find the right support, at the right time, in the right place can make a big difference to being able to lead a happy and fulfilled life.

Details of some of the organisations that you may find useful for advice and support are detailed below.

General advice

Mencap, the national charity, provides advice and support through its online resources and through its Learning Disability Helpline which operates between 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday on tel: 0808 808 1111. The charity MIND also has details of other organisations which can help provide support, click here for more details.

Local services

Locally, the Isle of Wight Community Learning Disability Team provides health support to adults living on the Isle of Wight. They also have easy read resources about their service on their website which you may find useful. You can find out more here about what they do and the eligibility criteria for the service. The Team also provides an adult ADHD and Autism diagnostic service. You can contact the team on tel: 01983 534243 (Monday-Friday 9am-4.30pm except bank holidays) or you can email them via LearningDisabilitiesTeam-Adult@iow.nhs.uk If you need support outside of these hours then please telephone NHS 111.

The council’s adult social care team also has a wide range of information on its website and in a series of supporting information covering different aspects from supported living, respite services, employment support and more which may also help contribute to improved mental wellbeing.

Support groups and day services

There are also peer support groups operating on the Isle of Wight that can provide additional support. Groups like Autism Inclusion Matters (AIM) for autistic people over the age of 4, run various activities and support. They also run a sensory library and are loaning resources. To find out more you can text or WhatsApp 074498500607 or email admin@aimisleofwight.co.uk. Their website is AIM - Autism Inclusion Matters (aimisleofwight.co.uk).

There are also day services offering a range of support including The Way Forward programme which provides services 7 days a week and every evening to adults and young people from 12 years to retirement age with learning disabilities, people on the autistic spectrum and people suffering from mental health conditions. They focus on person centred support to people whilst they build up skills and confidence to live as independently as possible. You can find out more on their website here and on their Facebook site.

The Phoenix Project is a specialist person centred day service for adults with learning disabilities.  The centre is based in Haylands, Ryde in a fully accessible building, set in large grounds with activities on offer both within the building and out in the community. You can find out more on their website here and on their Facebook site.

Active Living is a long established service based at the Riverside in Newport and run by Community Action isle of Wight, the Active Living programme provides group activities for adults with a learning and/or physical disability and adults with mental health conditions. Their specialised team works with our clients to provide a variety of sessions that support independent living skills, build confidence, improve social skills, community integration and provide a platform for creative expression, all in a safe, accessible environment. They also offer 1:1 support, both in sessions at Riverside and in the community. For more information call 01983 539373 or email Laura on lreid@actioniw.org.uk

John’s Club works with over 200 people with learning disabilities on the Island. They run club nights every Friday evening from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at different venues around the Island as well as a themed party night with a buffet once a month. They also run a weekly Saturday Youth Club, between the ages of 15 and 25, and encourage participation in various activities, music, guitar/music sessions, cooking and arts and crafts. You can find out more on their Facebook site.