This week is Learning Disability Week 2020 and the theme this year is ‘the importance of friendship during lockdown.’ The current coronavirus pandemic is unprecedented and affects us all but those living with a learning disability have been particularly affected and at increased risk of isolation.

Some may not fully understand the extent of this health crisis and how it is and will continue to fundamentally change how we as a society function and the impact this has on all our daily routines which we all miss.

Confusion around why you can’t go to visit friends and family, go ten-pin bowling, go to a restaurant or go to Autonomie’s Lilac House makes those living with a learning disability feel lonely and anxious and can have a profound impact on their mental and physical well-being.

We know that individuals with a learning disability already experience significant levels of depression and social disconnection and that these have been exacerbated by the lockdown.

As an organisation we understand these issues and have been working hard to tackle them. We understand how important it is for young people to have access to companionship - having access to social networks is key to promoting good mental health especially in those with learning disabilities.

We are committed to utilising a range of methods to continue kinships during this usual time.

How has Autonomie supported their young people and families to ensure social connections, support and skills development continued at this time, when support is needed most?

By quickly and effectively transforming our services from face-to-face to digital.

This has been made possible with the support of Community Fund NI.

(By funding us to purchase a number of 10.1 inch Lenovo tablets which we loan to our young people providing them access to our Digital Coronavirus Support Hub. Young people have accessed:

✅ opportunities to socialise

✅ virtual Zoom sessions

✅ family focused Zoom sessions e.g our Bingo, Quiz

and lots more!

Thanks to Community Fund NI for additionally funding our organisation’s Zoom membership - enabling staff members to host our online interactive activities sessions safely.