GLOUCESTERSHIRE residents with learning disabilities and autism are being asked to take part in a survey to help shape the support available to them.

The county’s Learning Disability and Autism Clinical Programme Group highlighted a need for a better understanding of the people living in Gloucestershire and how their needs are being met by the services available.

To help with this, Gloucestershire County Council and Gloucestershire NHS clinical commissioning group have put together a survey to get the views of residents on what does and doesn’t work well for them.

The survey looks at the services and support arranged locally and the feedback will help to plan what services are offered in future as part of the countywide Building Better Lives Vision.

The survey is now live and runs until November 2, and is aimed at people with a learning disability or autism and anyone who supports or provides services for them.

To help get as much feedback as possible, Inclusion Gloucestershire have organised a series of workshops across the county. These will help to make sure individual, carer and family voices are heard and shape services in future.

The survey is also being supported by Gloucestershire Constabulary’s neighbourhood policing teams and Gloucestershire hate crime co-ordinator Steph Lawrence, as well as Rebecca Richardson, county hate crime co-ordinator for Victim Support Gloucestershire.

Cllr Kathy Williams, cabinet member for adult social care delivery at Gloucestershire County Council, said; “It’s really important to me that we look at what impact our services have, and what positive impact we could have in future, on people’s lives.

“I’m grateful to Inclusion Gloucestershire and the CCG for helping us to really understand people’s experiences. Remember, your voice matters, so get involved and share your experiences.”

Caitlin Rose, project coordinator at Inclusion Gloucestershire, said: “This is a really exciting opportunity for people with lived experience of learning disabilities and/or autism to tell us about the things that matter to them.

“As a person-centred organisation, we really believe that all voices should be heard, and are looking forward to finding out what people think about the services available to them in the county, and what they would like to see change.”

Find out more at gloucestershire.gov.uk/yourvoicematters

Drop in events are being held at:

Cirencester Tesco Extra, Kingsmeadow, Sept 3, 10-2pm

Gloucester Inclusion Hub Friends Meeting House Greyfriars, Sept 5, 11-1pm

Gloucester Library, Sept 11, 10-12pm and 1-3pm

Stroud King St, Sept 19, 10-2pm

Cheltenham M & S, Sept 20, 10-2pm

Stroud Library, Sept 24, 10-12pm and 1-3pm

Tetbury Library, Sept 25, 10-1pm

Gloucester Cross, Oct 10, 10-2pm