TWELVE months after the launch of the Gloucestershire Challenging Behaviour Concordat, even more organisations have signed a commitment to support children and adults with learning disabilities and challenging behaviour.

There are now more than 60 statutory, voluntary sector and care provider organisations working with people with learning disabilities signed up to the concordat, and the success of the strategy was marked with an event at Shire Hall in Gloucester last month.

‘Gloucestershire Concordat: One Year On’ provided an opportunity for providers, families, user-led organisations and professionals to come together and hear how the strategy has improved people’s lives for the better.

One of the ways in which the concordat has helped includes The Learning Disability Intensive Support Service (LDISS), which works with children, young people and adults in crisis to prevent the need for hospital admission or out of county placement.

At the event, all parties reaffirmed their shared commitment for change and improvement for children and adults with learning disabilities and challenging behaviour, in order to reduce the impact these have on individuals’ lives.

Cllr Kathy Williams, Cabinet member for long term care, said, “We had high aspirations for the concordat when we announced it last year. I am pleased we have been able to achieve our aim of supporting local children and adults living with learning disabilities and challenging behaviour over the last twelve months.

The fact that more organisations are getting involved is a testament to the success we have had in helping to improve people’s lives. We are all dedicated to continuing our work in 2015 to achieve the shared objectives of the Gloucestershire Challenging Behaviour Strategy.”

This work is a key part of responding to the Department of Health requirement that local areas take steps to offer effective support for people with challenging behaviour locally. Gloucestershire was one of the first counties to create a local plan of action and is leading the nation in tackling the issues facing this topic.

For support, to obtain an Easy Read copy, or to join the Concordat please contact: Emily Williams, Assistant Manager, Strategy & Transformation Manager, GCC, emily.williams@gloucestershire.gov.uk or call on 01452 328667.