Summary
The Department of Health is consulting on the draft Learning Disability Service Model. The Model proposes a new approach to supporting adults with a learning disability through Health and Social Care services in Northern Ireland. It sets out the key outcomes we want to achieve, the principles that will guide delivery, and the actions needed to improve services across the system.
The draft service model has been developed in collaboration with Trusts, independent sector providers and people that use HSC services.
An Easy Read of the Learning Disability Model and questionnaire is available
Documents
- We Matter – August 2025
- We Matter Service Delivery Plan
- Easy Read and Questionnaire
- Consultation – EQIA
- Consultation - RNIA
- LDSM – Consultation questions – August 2025
- Learning Disability Service Model Consultation Roadshow, Silverbirch Hotel, Omagh-Feedback
- Learning Disability Service Model Consultation Roadshow – La Mon Hotel, Ballygowan-Feedback
- Learning Disability Service Model Consultation Roadshow – Canal Court Hotel, Newry-Feedback
- Learning Disability Service Model Consultation Roadshow – Dunsilly Hotel, Antrim-Feedback
- Learning Disability Service Model Consultation Roadshow – Clayton Hotel, Belfast-Feedback
- LSDM Online Engagement - 04th November 2025
- We Matter - Event Report
Consultation description
The draft service model has been developed in collaboration with Trusts, independent sector providers and people that use HSC services. The draft model sets out a regionally consistent framework to improve outcomes across several HSC areas, including: (i) Life Changes (ii) Health & Wellbeing; (iii) Carers and Families (iv) Meaningful Lives and Citizenship; (v) Home and (vi) Mental Ill Health and Behaviours of Distress or Concern.
An Easy Read of the Learning Disability Model and questionnaire is available online. It was made by TILII Translates, a group of adults with a learning disability, autism and other support needs who are experts at making information easier to understand. TILII Translates is part of Telling It Like It Is (TILII), an advocacy group that supports people to speak up for themselves.
TILII is one of the lead projects within the Association for Real Change (ARC), a leading umbrella body representing the learning disability community and is a key partner for DoH in helping to deliver services in the learning disability sector. Their purpose is to improve the quality of life for people who have a learning disability, autism and other support needs.
Consultation events
The Department will be hosting a series of regional engagement events during the consultation in your HSC Trust area as follows:
Ways to respond
Consultation closed — responses are no longer being accepted.