Help if you have a learning disability

Where to get support if you have a learning disability.

About learning disability

Learning disability is a term that refers to individuals who find it hard to: 

  • learn
  • understand
  • communicate
  • undertake everyday tasks

A learning disability is a lifelong condition. Many people with a learning disability will need support to live as independently as possible.

Learning disability doesn't include specific learning difficulties like dyspraxia or dyslexia. It doesn't include autism either, although lots of people with autism also have a learning disability.

Where to get help

You can get help from the Specialist Community Disability Service (SCDS) if, you have a learning disability and are:

  • age 18 or over
  • living permanently in Brighton & Hove, or
  • registered with a Brighton & Hove GP

The SCDS can help people with learning disabilities:

  • make choices
  • increase their opportunities
  • get help from services and the local community

Find out more in our easy read leaflet about how the learning disability team can help you in our easy read leaflet, or watch this video.

The Learning Disability Liaison Team help people with a learning disability and their family or carers, get good care when they go into hospital.

Find out how the Learning Disability Liaison Team can help you in our easy read leaflet.

To find more support for young people with a learning disability, go to the Local Offer section.

If you need help to express your views and wishes, find out how an advocate could help.

Easy read information for people with a learning disability

Go to our Easy read pages to find information and advice.

You can find information on:

  • how to contact the Learning Disability Team
  • help with health and care
  • COVID-19 advice
  • support for young people
  • getting around the city
  • other council services

How to get help from the Specialist Community Disability Service (SCDS)

To make a referral to the CLDT, complete the CLDT referral form and email it to scdsreferrals@brighton-hove.gov.uk, or send it to:

Specialist Community Disability Service
Wellington House
Wellington Street
Brighton
BN2 3AX

You can also read the guidance on how to make a referral to the Specialist Community Disability Service.

For general questions, send an email to SCDS@brighton-hove.gov.uk Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, or phone 01273 295550 .

Get support if you need to go to hospital

You can get support from the Learning Disability Liaison Team if you need to go to hospital.

They can help you make a hospital passport, to tell hospital staff important information about you.

More information

Get support for young people with a learning disability from Amaze Sussex.

Find local support for people with a learning disability on our Health and Adult Social Care directory.