Learning Disability Project making a meal of it

County Councillor John Mallinson, Cabinet spokesman for Care and Social Services recently launched a new project designed to develop life skills for people with learning disabilities. The project sees Lonsdale Court sheltered housing residents receive midday meals cooked by people with learning disabilities. Three adults, supported by a cook and a support worker prepare mid day meals for older adults in sheltered accommodation on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday each week. 

County Councillor John Mallinson, Cabinet spokesman for Care and Social Services says, 

"I am delighted to have launched this project in partnership with Health, Eden Mencap Society and the Housing 21 housing association in Penrith. As part of the launch I presented a tapestry to Jane Hinde from Housing 21 on behalf of the Eden Mencap Society. The tapestry was produced by Freda Epgrave and will be a lovely addition to Lonsdale Court. 

This initiative is funded through the Learning Disability Development Fund, a Government grant of £185,000 this year for the development of services to people with learning disabilities across the county. This funding links to the Government white paper, Valuing People, a new strategy for learning disability in the 21st century, aiming to promote independence, give more choice and help to improve community inclusion and life chances for people with learning disabilities. It links with the County Council's corporate strategy theme of supporting vulnerable people." 

Martin Holmes, Co-ordinator for Eden Mencap Society explains the benefits of the project. He says, 

New Government legislation has at last enabled people with learning disabilities to become more independent and better integrated into their local communities. The Valuing People strategy includes a commitment to ensure that by 2004 the remainder of people with learning disabilities in long stay residential care are re-settled into the community. This gives increased independence and opportunities to learn more life skills. The people involved in this project thoroughly enjoy their cooking experience and the increased confidence that results from achievement."