First ever Health Fair for Walsall residents with a learning disability

Walsall Teaching Primary Care Trust (Walsall tPCT) and Walsall Council have joined forces to run the first ever Health Fair for residents who have a Learning Disability. The event which, is being held at The Town Hall between 11am and 3pm on the 23 January, aims to provide residents who have a Learning Disability with more information about how they can access the different services available to them.

Pauline Martin, Head of Learning Disability Nursing for Walsall tPCT, said: “People with a Learning Disability have higher health needs than the general population but tend to have poorer access to health care. The idea of the Health Fair came from people with a Learning Disability when we asked them what events they would like us to plan for them. It’s a good opportunity for residents to speak to staff and gain simple and easy to read information on the services available to them.”

The Health Fair which, is open to all Walsall residents with a Learning Disability, will have stands filled with simple and easy to read information on different aspects of healthcare and nurses will also be available to answer any questions on a one to one basis. There will be the opportunity to have a new Health Action Plan devised, experience aromatherapy, have a henna tattoo and enter a free prize draw.  Refreshments will also be provided and there will be a ‘video booth’ where people can leave feedback about the day and what they think can be done to improve their healthcare.