Learning Disability Support in Washington & Sunderland
At Original Support, we provide friendly, person-centred support for adults aged 18+ with learning disabilities across Washington, Sunderland and surrounding areas.
We believe everyone should have opportunities to enjoy the things that interest them, meet other people, try new experiences and play an active part in their community.
Our support is shaped around the individual. We take time to understand what someone enjoys, what they would like to achieve and where a little extra assistance or encouragement could help them feel more confident and independent.
Whether it’s enjoying a favourite hobby, going shopping, attending an activity, meeting friends or discovering somewhere completely new, our support workers are there to help make those experiences possible.
Support Built Around the Individual
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to learning disability support.
Everyone we work with has their own personality, interests, abilities and preferences. Some people may want support to become more socially active and meet new people. Others may want greater confidence getting out into the community or simply someone they know and trust to accompany them while doing the things they enjoy.
We listen to the individual and, where appropriate, their family or others involved in their support to understand what matters to them.
Our aim isn’t to take over. It’s to provide the right amount of assistance and encouragement while helping each person retain choice and control over their own life.
What Can We Support You With?
Social Activities & Days Out
Getting out and enjoying life is a big part of what we do.
Our support workers can accompany individuals on days out and social activities, whether that’s going bowling, eating out, visiting the coast, shopping, attending an event or simply going somewhere they enjoy.
It’s not about following a fixed programme. The individual has a say in what they would like to do.
Hobbies & Interests
Having something you enjoy doing can be a great way to build confidence, develop skills and connect with other people.
We can support individuals in pursuing existing hobbies or trying something completely new.
That might involve sport, games, arts and crafts, music, visiting attractions, attending groups or discovering new places.
Friendships & Social Connections
For some adults with learning disabilities, meeting people and maintaining friendships can be difficult without the right opportunities and support.
We encourage positive social interaction and help individuals participate in activities where they can spend time with others, develop friendships and feel part of their community.
Shopping & Everyday Activities
Support doesn’t always have to involve a big day out.
We can provide assistance with everyday activities such as shopping, visiting local places or completing other tasks in the community.
Where appropriate, these everyday experiences can also provide opportunities to develop confidence and independence.
Appointments
We can provide support when attending medical, dental and other appointments.
Having a familiar support worker alongside you can provide reassurance and practical assistance before, during and after an appointment.
Trying Something New
New experiences can be exciting, but they can sometimes feel daunting too.
Our support workers provide encouragement without pressure, helping individuals explore new activities and experiences at a pace that feels comfortable for them.
Building Confidence & Independence
Good support shouldn’t unnecessarily do things for someone that they are able to do themselves.
We encourage the people we support to make choices, participate in decisions and use their existing skills wherever possible.
For one person, greater independence might mean ordering their own meal in a café. For another, it could mean choosing and paying for their shopping, deciding where they’d like to go that day or becoming confident enough to participate in a new activity.
These individual achievements matter.
By providing encouragement and assistance when it’s needed, we aim to help people develop confidence while continuing to make their own choices about how they spend their time.
More Than Getting From A to B
Our service isn’t simply about transporting someone to an activity and bringing them home again.
Our support workers are there to participate, encourage and provide meaningful support throughout the experience.
That could mean joining in with an activity, helping someone communicate, offering reassurance in an unfamiliar environment or simply being there as a trusted companion.
The aim is for the person to get as much enjoyment and value from their time as possible.
Experienced Support Workers You Can Trust
All Original Support support workers receive appropriate training, including the Care Certificate, and our approach places safeguarding, dignity, respect and person-centred support at the heart of what we do.
Our support workers also undergo an Enhanced DBS check with an Adults’ Barred List check as part of our safer recruitment process.
Just as importantly, we look for people with the right personality and attitude.
A positive relationship between an individual and their support worker can make a huge difference. We want the people we support to feel comfortable, listened to and respected.
Personal Assistance, Not Personal Care
Original Support provides personal assistance and social support rather than regulated personal care.
We do not provide personal care services such as assistance with washing, bathing, dressing or toileting.
Our focus is on supporting people to enjoy greater social independence, participate in their community, build confidence and enjoy the activities and experiences that matter to them.
Private & Funded Support
Original Support works with both private clients and people whose support is funded through a Personal Budget or Direct Payment.
If you have eligible care and support needs, your local authority may provide you with a Personal Budget following an adult social care assessment. A Personal Budget is the amount identified to help meet the eligible needs set out in your care and support plan.
Using a Direct Payment
One way of receiving a Personal Budget is through a Direct Payment. Instead of the council arranging all of your support for you, a Direct Payment can give you greater choice and flexibility over how your eligible support is arranged and who provides it.
Sunderland City Council explains that Direct Payments can be used to purchase care and support services that meet your assessed needs, including employing personal assistants and purchasing appropriate support.
This may mean that, where it is included within your agreed care and support arrangements, funding can be used towards the type of personal assistance and social support provided by Original Support.
Do I Have to Pay Towards My Support?
That depends on your individual circumstances.
If you’re eligible for council-funded adult social care, a financial assessment is normally carried out to determine whether you need to contribute towards the cost of your support. Depending on the assessment, the council may contribute towards some or all of the eligible cost, or you may be required to make a contribution yourself.
Already Have a Direct Payment?
If you already receive a Direct Payment or have an agreed Personal Budget, you’re welcome to contact us to discuss the type of support you’re looking for.
We’ll explain the services Original Support can provide so you can determine, together with your social care professional or Direct Payment adviser where appropriate, whether they fit the outcomes and support agreed in your plan.
Not Sure Where to Start?
If you think you or someone you support may be eligible for help with the cost of social support, the first step is normally to contact your local authority and ask about an adult social care needs assessment.
For people living in Sunderland, Sunderland City Council provides information about adult needs assessments, Personal Budgets and Direct Payments on its website.
Regular Activities & Days Out
Ten Pin Bowling
Games Days
Meals Out
Shopping
Trips & Attractions
Independent Days Out
Discos
Frequently Asked Questions
Who do you provide learning disability support for?
Original Support provides personal assistance and social support for adults aged 18 and over with learning disabilities across Washington, Sunderland and surrounding areas.
Can I choose the activities I want to do?
Yes. Choice is an important part of our approach. We want the people we support to have a say in how they spend their time and the activities and experiences they’d like to enjoy.
Do you provide personal care?
No. Original Support provides personal assistance and social support rather than regulated personal care. We do not provide assistance with activities such as washing, bathing, dressing or toileting.
Can you support someone to attend appointments?
Yes. We can provide assistance and companionship when attending medical, dental and other appointments.
Are your support workers DBS checked?
Yes. Original Support support workers undergo an Enhanced DBS check with an Adults’ Barred List check as part of our safer recruitment process.
Do you only provide group activities?
No. Original Support provides both one-to-one support and opportunities to take part in group activities.
One-to-one support can be tailored around the individual’s interests, preferences and goals. This might include going shopping, attending appointments, enjoying a day out, pursuing a hobby or simply getting out into the community with the support of a familiar support worker.
We also offer opportunities to take part in social and group activities, where individuals can meet other people, enjoy shared interests and develop friendships in a supportive environment.
There is no expectation that everyone should take part in group activities. We understand that some people prefer one-to-one support, while others enjoy being part of a group. Choice is at the heart of our approach, and support is shaped around what the individual feels comfortable with and wants to achieve.
GET IN TOUCH
Talk to Us About
Learning Disability Support
Finding the right support is a personal decision, and we’re happy to talk through what you’re looking for.
If you’d like to learn more about learning disability support from Original Support, contact us and tell us a little about the type of assistance you’re looking for.
Call: 0800 009 6190