TCV Greenablilty Conference

Peter Scott

Chief Executive Officer

ENABLE Scotland

ENABLE Scotland 1954

ENABLE Scotland 2014

• “People with learning disabilities have a

significant, lifelong, condition that started

before adulthood, which affected their

development and which means they need

help to:

– understand information;

– learn skills; and

– cope independently.”

Intro to learning disability

How many people in Scotland

have a learning disability?

• Statistical estimate of

120,000

• 16,000 school age

children/young people

• 26,000 adults

The Keys to Life

• 10 year Scottish Government

strategy to drive forward change

• 52 recommendations across

162 pages!

• What does it say and why is it

relevant today?

Health

• People who have learning disabilities

• Have some of the poorest health of any group in

Scotland

• Die on average 20 years younger

• Have high levels of unmet health need

• Have different patterns of mortality and morbidity

Health

• Co-morbidity levels

– Epilepsy

– Mental health

– Obesity

– Underweight

– Dementia

Health

• Social isolation

• Deprivation

• Poverty

• Communication skills

• Prevention and self-

help

Friendship

• Only 1 in 3 people who have

learning disabilities could

name a close friend

• Many are socially isolated

and lonely

• Limited opportunities to

make/develop/keep friends

and/or loving relationships

Conclusion

• The keys to a good

life include:

• Health

• Friends

• Dignity

TCV website quotes• “There really is a gym outside your window”

• “Our Natural Health Service is on hand”

• “Just getting out of the house for a few hours and doing something

worthwhile makes you feel as if you are contributing something and

feeling better at the same time”

• “GPs now prescribe Green Gym”

• “Green Gyms also enhance mental wellbeing through increased

contact with nature, the social benefits of group activity and helping

people contribute something positive to their community.”

• “Unlike many conventional gyms, taking part in a Green Gym® is free

and a great social activity too, allowing you to meet new people”