Help for Islanders with learning disabilities to read and write

The Health and Community Services (HCS) Learning Disability Service are partnering with Highlands College for a second year to teach adults with learning disabilities to read and write.

• Support for adults to develop literacy and social skills
• Funding provided through COVID Recovery Fund
• Service run by HCS Learning Disability Service and Highlands College

In 2022, a number of adults with learning disabilities showed an interest in developing their skills. As a result, Highlands College secured funding through the Government of Jersey COVID Recovery Fund to deliver teaching sessions to help adults develop their literacy and social skills in partnership with the Learning Disability Service.

The HCS Learning Disability Service has provided operational support by identifying Islanders who would benefit from the opportunity and by supporting communication between interested Islanders and Highlands College. The Service has also organised travel for individuals to attend sessions and for a team member support learners when required.

Highlands College supplied a teacher and teaching assistant to facilitate the sessions each term. Learners have also been supported by their carers, who have joined the group to provide 1-1 support where necessary.

After completing the programme many learners have had the confidence and ability to move into the Mencap Jersey reading group, which provides valuable support to them to continue their enjoyment of reading.

According to Robert Gardner, Head of Learning Disability Service and Nursing Practice, the scheme has been a big success. He said: “We have seen the impact these sessions have had to help the adults to improve their self-esteem, and confidence, it’s had a transformational effect on some of our learners. One client was able to write their Christmas cards for the first-time last year, another has been able to read their own care plan for the first time and a number are now able to read a menu and order for themselves when eating out.”

Helen O’Connell, Foundation Learning Co-ordinator at Highlands College, said: “Highlands College is delighted to be able to provide lifelong learning opportunities to adults with learning disabilities. This is a very worthwhile project and the positive impacts on those taking part is plain to see, with learners showing improved speaking and listening, literacy and communication skills.”

The next group will take part in the programme from 16 January until 19 March.