West Sussex community learning disability teams

We provide specialist community support for adults with a learning disability, their families and carers. Our teams include specialist nurses , occupational therapists, clinical psychologists and behaviour support practitioners, psychiatrists, speech and language therapists and physiotherapists. Our teams work closely with adult social care.

Contact details and referral information

Community Learning Disability Team - Coastal
Bridge House
Barrington Road
Worthing
West Sussex
BN12 4SE

Community Learning Diability Team - Western
Durban House
South Bersted Industrial Park
Durban Road
Bognor Regis
West Sussex
PO22 9RE

Community Learning Disability Team - Northern
County Hall North
North Street
Horsham
West Sussex
RH12 1XH

Referral information:

Tel: 01903 846656
Email: Referrals.LDHealthTeam@sussexpartnership.nhs.uk

Make a referral online

All postal referrals should be sent to:

Learning Disability Community Services
Highdown
Swandean
Worthing
West Sussex
BN13 3EP

Download printable referral form

What is a learning disability or intellectual disability?

Learning disability in the UK is the same as intellectual disability, which is the international medical term.

It is the presence of:

Significantly reduced ability to understand new or complex information in learning new skills (impaired intelligence)
AND reduced ability to cope independently (impairment of social and adaptive functioning skills which started before adulthood (18+)
AND has a lasting effect on development.

(World Health Organisation, Valuing People, HM Government 2001)

Everyone referred to our service is assessed individually. Many people with mild learning disability will not require the input of the community learning disability team, which is reserved for those who cannot access generic / mainstream services with the level of reasonable adjustments that they can make, and who have very complex needs.

For example difficulties with communication, behaviour, understanding, swallowing , mobility or physical health needs. They may require specialist learning disability professionals from learning disability nursing, speech and language therapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, psychology, behaviour support or psychiatry.

The presence of autism spectrum disorder has to be in addition to learning disability in order to access the team's involvement.

People have a right to access generic services with reasonable adjustments, so before referring to our team, please consider first whether the person can access mainstream health services.

We can take referrals for individuals where the support needed is to facilitate access to generic / mainstream health services.

Who is eligible for the community learning disability team?

The community learning disability team is a specialist health team for adults (18+) with a learning disability.

We support people with a learning disability who have mental health needs, physical health needs and difficulties with behaviour and who cant use mainstream services even with reasonable adjustments. We also offer support to access mainstream services and to help people with complex needs be understood and supported to maximise their quality of life and prevent deterioration of physical or psychological health.

We work both with individuals and also with their families and support networks.

Dementia assessments

Our dementia assessments are how we assess people with a learning disability for dementia.

A healthy brain assessment is a screening program for individuals with Down syndrome who are over 30 years old. It helps to find any early signs of dementia
A memory assessment is a specialist assessment for the older population of people with a learning disability who are experiencing signs and symptoms of dementia.

Get involved

We're inviting individuals with Down syndrome who are 30 years old or above, and have a GP based in West Sussex, for a healthy brain assessment.

After having a healthy brain assessment, we'll invite you to a workshop about keeping yourself and your brain healthy. We'll stay in touch and contact you when it's time for your next assessment.

For the older population of people with a learning disability, we'll ensure the dementia assessment meets your needs to make sure you receive support that is right for you. We'll work with your carer and GP to offer diagnosis and post diagnosis support.

See the leaflets below for more information:

Healthy brain assessment leaflet

Memory assessment leaflet

If you're concerned about someone with a learning disability who is displaying signs of dementia, or you would like to have a screening, email our referrals inbox Referrals.LDHealthTeam@spft.nhs.uk and we'll get back to you to arrange an assessment.

Learning Disability Response Plan (LDRP)

What is the Learning Disability Response Plan?

The Learning Disability Response Plan (LDRP) is a partnership between Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and Sussex Police to ensure the police have a better understanding of individuals needs, reduce contact time with the police and improve outcomes for people who have complex needs.

It will act as an information alert for police officers responding to calls or concerns relating to individuals with learning disabilities, some of whom are diagnosed with mental health and/or complex needs. The response plan will enable the police to make decisions in a more person- centred way as opposed to a crime and evidence motivated-based decision, reducing resources input and providing better outcome for those individuals.

Who is eligible for the LDRP?

Individuals eligible for this scheme will have a previous offence/s or will have had contact with the police within the last year.

How does it work?

If you meet the above criteria, or care for someone who does, email LDRP@sussex.pnn.police.uk. The pack will contain an easy read document to support understanding.