A series of special road shows for people who use learning disability services in Cumbria get under way next week.
The events, which have been organised by Cumbria County Council, are designed to raise awareness of Person Centred Planning (PCP) - an innovative approach which puts people at the heart of health and social care decision-making.
The service is a way of supporting children, people with disabilities and older people to make choices and changes in their life, helping them plan their future and organise the support they need.
There will be a total of ten road shows across the county. The first is being launched in Barrow on Tuesday 15 April, at 10:00am by Judith Whittam, the county council's manager for learning disabilities. Print and broadcast journalists are invited to attend.
People with learning disabilities will be joining Judith at the Barrow event to show off their plans, explain the process and talk to people about the positive difference it has made to their lives. Service users and Cumbria Adult Social Care staff will be available for interview at the event.
There will also be information to take away and opportunities for road show visitors to have a go at drawing up their own plans.
Councillor Bill Wearing, cabinet member for Health and Wellbeing, said: "Person Centred Planning can make made a real difference to disabled people’s lives."
"It puts people, rather than the system, in the driving seat by helping them to take control of their futures."
The road shows are open to anyone in Cumbria who uses or works in learning disability services and take place at:
* Victoria Hall, Barrow-in-Furness - 15 April, 10.00am to 3.00pm.
* Swarthmoor Hall, Ulverston - 15 May, 10.00am to 3.00pm.
* Penrith Methodist Church - 12 June, 10.00am to 3.00pm.
* Lakes Leisure, Kendal - 14 July, 10.00am to 3.00pm.
* Carlisle (venue can be confirmed nearer the time by contacting the number below) - 15 August, 10:00am to 3:00pm
* Keswick (venue can be confirmed nearer the time by contacting the number below) - 15 September 2008, 10:00am to 3:00pm.
* Rosehill Theatre, Whitehaven - 15 October, 10.00am to 3.00pm.
* Workington (venue can be confirmed nearer the time by contacting the number below) - 14 November, 10:00am to 3:00pm.
* Millom Network Centre, Millom - 15 December, 10.00am to 3.00pm.
* Kirkby Stephen (venue can be confirmed nearer the time by contacting the number below) - 15 January, 10:00am to 3:00pm.
For more information on any of these road shows, people can contact Colette Metcalf at Cumbria Adult Social Care on 01228-606886.
ENDS
Media enquiries to Mark Graham, Media Officer on 01228-606337