Getting Resettlement Done

In October 2021 the Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) commissioned an independent review of the learning disability resettlement programme in Northern Ireland. A report was produced in July 2022.

One of the recommendations was that Strategic commissioners within health, care and housing should convene a summit with NI Housing Executive, Health & Social Care Trusts, providers, and people with lived experience to review the current resettlement programmes so that there is an agreed refreshed programme and plan for regional resettlement.  This summit occurred today with around 60 delegates attending.

The day showcased a number of speakers, including the ARC NI Director who was asked to present the challenges from a providers’ perspective.  We also thought it was important that the voice of Experts by Experience were heard so we kick started with a video by TILII.

Leslie-Anne shared feedback from the sector as to the things that need to change to enable more people living independently in the community.

These include addressing:

• The workforce crisis, including insufficient staff and low pay
• The commissioning model, recognising individual need and that these needs can change
• Funding and sustainability, providing annual increases and addressing the joint funding (Supporting People) agreements
• Partnership & planning, with the person supported firmly at the centre
• Community services – the balance between universal and specialist, addressing the barriers for people with a learning disability accessing the right support in community provision

A report was produced from the day and captured a summary of the table based discussions that followed the presentations.