In this section:
This year, why not enjoy a day out at a National Gardens Scheme garden - you'll be helping fund the QNI too!
Providing vital funding for projects that help improve patient care.
Visit our nursing heritage website, a celebration of District Nursing around the world since 1859.
Learning Disabilities
A significant number of the projects that we fund are designed to help people with learning disabilities.
Case Study: Tackling bullying among people with learning disabilities
Project leader: Kate Morris and James Cawley, Birmingham. This project worked with young people with learning disabilities to create a DVD to help them. The project leaders describe the case of one of the people who was involved:
'Richard' is a 23 year old man with mild learning disabilities. He lives at home with his family with whom he has a strained relationship. He is unemployed and spends most of his time watching TV or sleeping. Richard has been bullied for as long
as he can remember. He was home taught by his mother after being constantly bullied by other pupils. This pattern of being bullied has continued well into his adult life. He talked about having had stones and bricks thrown at him as if this was a normal part of daily life. At the beginning Richard was timid, and unable to make eye contact. During the first few sessions he seemed to want to contribute, but became quite emotional when he tried to join in.
As part of the making of the DVD, strategies to help people deal with bullying were explored with the group members. Slowly Richard developed friendships and confidence and decided he wanted to feature in the DVD. Being filmed was something that he would have been unable to do before the project. He was very excited about being involved and chose a “dress shirt” to wear on the day. Taking part in this project has been a life changing experience for Richard. He has learned skills in assertiveness, developed his confidence and plans to go on to help others by promoting the advantages of group work. He has also recently decided to leave home and is determined to create an independent life for himself.'
Case Study: Fit for Life
Led by Phil Howe and Linda Hancox, North Devon.
This project provides exercise classes specially for those with learning disabilities, who often find that mainstream physical exercise activities are not designed with them in mind. The project regularly attracts 25 participants. The overall aim is to improve the mental and physical fitness of this group of people, and improve their independence, confidence, and quality of life.
Campaigning for nurses
