Main Category: Mental Health News
Article Date: 24 Sep 2006 - 20:00pm (PDT)
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A book to help parents with learning disabilities care for their children is to be provided free by health visitors, announced today by Nicola Smith, national director for people with learning disabilities.

The new book called 'You and Your Baby' contains practical information for new parents about caring for a young baby from birth until the age of one. Produced in 'easy read' format, it uses graphics to help people who have difficulty in reading and understanding the written word.

It is designed to supplement the Birth to 5 book, which is produced by the Department and given to all pregnant women by their health visitors. (It is also available at http://www.dh.gov.uk/)

The new book has been produced by CHANGE, a voluntary organisation of people with disabilities, with help from a government grant.

National Director for Learning Disabilities Nicola Smith said: "I firmly believe that people with learning disabilities are more than capable of looking after their children - but they may need extra support to do so. I hope this book will help with this."

"When I took up post I said that one of the issues I was most concerned about was people with learning disabilities having their children taken in to care. That is why I am delighted to announce that we are making this book available."

Rob Greig, Nicola's fellow National Director said: "There is little doubt that the lack of support for parents with a learning disability has resulted in some parents losing their children unnecessarily. I hope that the information provided in this book will help towards a reduction in that happening and contribute to learning disabled parents and their children living positive and successful lives. "

In addition to being a valuable additional resource for parents with a learning disability, the provision of this book helps to demonstrates compliance with the new Disability Equality Duty that requires the public sector to take specific action to assist disabled people get equal outcomes, including parenting.

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Health Promotion Units and PHILS have been sent copies of the book, but can order more from the DH Publications Orderline 08701 555 455, quoting the product code of "YOUANDYOURBABY".

CHANGE is a national organisation run by disabled people. It campaigns and works for equal rights for all people with learning disabilities.

For further information please go to:
UK Department of Health