Sharing an event hosted by Essex County Council Learning Disability and Autism Health Equalities (Commissioning) Team supported by The MultiSchools Council, Essex Family Forum, Essex Carers Network and the NHS.
In-Person Listening Event — Children’s Learning Disability Service
Tuesday 28 October 2025
Come along to share your experiences of the Children’s Learning Disability Service and meet
the team.
The Learning Disability and Autism Health Equalities (Commissioning) Team is reviewing the
Children’s Learning Disability Service. This NHS-funded, community-based service supports
children and young people aged 5–18 with a diagnosed moderate to severe learning disability
and behaviours that challenge, who live in Southend, Essex or Thurrock. The current service is
due for renewal in 2027, and your feedback will help shape the new contract. Staff from the
service will be there so you can share your views directly and ask questions.
Who can attend
• Parents and carers living in Southend, Essex or Thurrock
• Who have a child[ren] and/or young person[s] with a diagnosed moderate to severe
learning disability (i.e. IQ of 50 or below) *
• Children and young people aged 5–18 who use or have used the service
Unfortunately we can’t accommodate babies or children under 5 at this venue.
Sessions (Half Term, Tue 28 Oct)
• 10–11am
• 12–1pm
• 2–3pm
Please book the session that suits you and include everyone in your party when booking.
Venue
Marks Farm Community Centre, Dunstable Dr, Braintree CM7 3LT (venue is in located near
Tesco)
• Free parking on-site
• Next to a large playing field
• 10 minutes from the nearest bus stop
• 20 minutes from Braintree Freeport train station
Refreshments
Light snacks and drinks provided. Please tell us about any dietary requirements when you
book.
Can’t attend in person?
Join the virtual Listening Event on Wednesday 22 October at 6pm:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-childrens-learning-disability-service-virtual-listeningevent-tickets-1754468254779?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utmmedium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl
Questions?
Email Becca King, CYP Commissioner: Rebecca.king2@essex.gov.uk
* A learning disability is the way it affects a person learning new things in any area of life,
not just at school. It affects the way a person understands information and how they
communicate. They may have difficulty with;
1) Understanding new information.
2) Learning new skills.
3) Coping independently (NHS 2015).
Examples of a learning disability include (but are not limited to): Global Developmental Delay,
Downs Syndrome, Chromosomal Disorders, Fragile X Syndrome, Turner Syndrome, Cerebral
Palsy, Foetal Alcohol Syndrome.
Please note that Autism is not a Learning Disability however, around 50% of autistic people may
also have a learning disability (Mencap, 2017).
