As the end of the first year of this project approaches it is timely to look back at what has been achieved.
Training: In line with other BBS Training Courses, a training course for carers is being marketed which enables participants to gain points towards options at NVQ level 3 in Caring. This ties in with current Government strategy for those working with clients with a learning disability.
Research: BBS is a Founder member of the Steering Group on learning disability and bereavement: developing practice and changing policy through collaboration, dissemination and research. In addition, BBS is part of the network of Palliative Care and people with learning disabilities; HENL - - Multidisciplinary Research Network (a consortium of professionals working in specialist learning disability health services with Parkside, Horison NHS Trust, University of Hertfordshire and Imperial College); Parkside Learning Disability Research Initiative and Bereavement Research Forum - a national body of people working within bereavement and loss.
Having presented a report to Mencap and the Health Authority on our initial findings relating to this work, we are now engaged in research evaluating the work being done within BBS with people with learning disabilities and the specialist training given to volunteers in this area. We are working closely with Sue Read of Keele University testing the manual devised by Bereavement Care, Stoke on Trent on bereavement support for people with learning disabilities. This will enable the manual to be published and anyone offering bereavement support will be able to use it to extend their work to those with learning disabilities.
CAROLE LAMBERT