Information Hub – Parents, Carers and Professionals

Information and Free Resources for Parents, Carers and Professionals

Being a parent, carer or support worker of someone with a learning disability can be both incredibly rewarding and, at times, challenging. Having the right information, tools and support at your fingertips can make a big difference. That’s why ARC Northern Ireland has created a dedicated information hub, bringing together a wide range of helpful materials — all in one place.

Empowering the Community

The Community Support starts by highlighting 6 overarching themes, originally confirmed by Equal Lives (2005) as part of the Bamford Review of Mental Health & Learning Disability.  These 6 priority policy areas continue today as part of the Department of Health’s Learning Disability Policy.  They are:

Health & Wellbeing

People with a learning disability have the right to the same standard of healthcare as everyone else.  This theme focuses on:

• Equal access to health services
• Health checks and health promotion
• Reasonable adjustments in health settings
• Better understanding of health needs by professionals

Family Carers

Families often provide lifelong care and support. This theme recognises the critical role of carers and the need to support them.  It includes:

• Access to short breaks and respite
• Emotional and practical support for carers
• Information and involvement in planning
• Acknowledgement of carers’ expertise and contributions

Transitions

Moving from childhood to adulthood should be a planned, supported process.  This theme calls for:

• Clear transition planning across education, health and social care
• Early preparation for adulthood
• Support for employment, independent living, and community participation
• Involvement of young people and their families in decision-making

Meaningful Lives

People with a learning disability should have fulfilling, active, and purposeful lives.
This includes:

• Access to education, training, and employment
• Participation in social, cultural, and leisure activities
• Opportunities to contribute to the community
• Support to build relationships and friendships

Living Options

People should be supported to live where and how they choose, with the right support.  This theme promotes:

• A move away from institutional settings
• More choice in housing options (e.g. supported living, shared lives)
• Access to community-based services
• Person-centred planning for accommodation and support

Mental Health

People with a learning disability should receive appropriate mental health care when needed.  This involves:

• Better recognition and diagnosis of mental health conditions
• Accessible and adapted mental health services
• Joint working between learning disability and mental health teams
• Training for professionals to understand dual diagnosis

Information on Specific Topics

Whether you’re looking to understand things like Self-Directed Support, trying to find accessible information on Cancer Screening, or simply want to understand your rights and options better under the Mental Capacity Act, the ARC NI Topics section is packed with free, practical and easy-to-use materials.

What Can You Find?

🧰 Toolkits & Guides – Practical support on a range of issues, from health and wellbeing to planning for the future.

📄 Easy Read Documents – Clear and accessible information designed to help people with a learning disability better understand their rights, choices and important topics.

🎥 Short Films – Real stories, tips and explanations that bring important issues to life.

📚 Policy Briefs & Position Papers – For those who want to stay informed on the bigger picture, including how policies impact people with learning disabilities in Northern Ireland.

Why Is This Helpful?

Many families tell us they feel overwhelmed trying to understand the systems and services available. ARC NI’s resource hub is here to take some of that pressure off by offering reliable, easy-to-understand information created specifically for the learning disability community.

It’s a space designed with inclusion and empowerment in mind – where parents and carers can find support, and people with learning disabilities can access information in ways that make sense to them.

Stay Informed. Stay Empowered.

We’re constantly updating the resources page with new materials, so be sure to check back regularly or bookmark it for future reference.

Explore the ARC NI Topic Resource Hub today.  Together, we can help make sure every parent, carer, and person with a learning disability has the tools and support they need to thrive.