Learning disabilities
We can provide information, advice and support to adults with a learning disability and their carers.
Barnet Learning Disabilities Service is a joint service comprising health and social care staff working together. Following an assessment, we can help clients to:
- Use health services
- Find out about benefits
- Find a home
- Explore day time opportunities
- Arrange respite care
- Discuss adult protection issues.
We can also refer you to one of the local support organisations for people with a learning disability.
Definition of a learning disability
All three of the following must be present:
- Significantly below average intellectual functioning, i.e. IQ below 70 (WAIS test)
- Impairments in at least two of the following areas - communication, self care/home living, social functioning, interpersonal skills, use of community resources, self direction, functional academic skills, work and leisure, health and safety
- Onset of the learning disability before the age of 18.
How do I access services?
If you think you need a service or have questions you would like to ask, you can contact the Learning Disabilities Team:
Barnet Learning Disabilties Service, 313 Ballards Lane, North Finchley, London N12 8LY
- Tel: 020 8492 5473
- Fax: 020 8492 5468
What happens when you ask for a service?
We will gather initial information about the help you need. If it is the first time you have contacted us, you may also be asked general questions about your ethnicity, language and religion and the name of your GP.
We will then carry out an assessment of your needs with you. You are welcome to have a friend, relative, carer or advocate (representative) with you when we carry out your assessment. For more information on advocacy, please contact Advocacy in Barnet on:
- Tel: 020 8201 3415
- Email: admin@advocacyinbarnet.org.uk
or Mind in Barnet on:
- Tel: 020 8343 5700
- Email: admin@mindinbarnet.org.uk
Will I be charged for services?
You may be required to pay for some of the services you receive. How much you pay will depend on your income and the amount of help you need.
We will ask you to complete a financial assessment form. You may be entitled to benefits and if so we will help you to claim them.
More information about charging can be found in the charging policy 
(PDF: 777KB)
Learning Disabilites Partnership Board
The Learning Disabilities Partnership Board has jointly produced the 'Small Plan to Make a Big Difference' (PDF: 1MB) for 2006-2009 which sets out six big things that the board want to achieve for people with learning disabilities in Barnet and what they have to do to make it happen.
‘Making a Big Difference’ An integrated commissioning strategy for Learning Disability Services in Barnet 2007-2010
This is the first three year Integrated Learning Disability Commissioning Strategy for Barnet (PDF: 470KB). The document sets out the commissioning and decommissioning intentions of Barnet Primary Care Trust and the London Borough of Barnet for 2007-2010 for adults with a learning disability who are resident within the boundaries of the London Borough of Barnet to deliver the vision of Valuing People and to implement the Barnet Learning Disability Partnership Board’s ‘Small Plan to Make a Big Difference.’
It provides a framework to support the provision of flexible, responsive and equitable services to respond to a broad continuum of health and social needs to support us to meet national and local key targets.
People's Voice newsletter
- Newsletter 3 - July 2008 (PDF: 910KB)
- Newsletter 2 - December 2007 (PDF: 528KB)
- Newsletter 1 - April 2007 (PDF: 784KB)
New Choices - Newsletters
- New Choices Newsletter - Issue 4 Oct 07 (PDF: 588KB)
- New Choices Newsletter - Issue 3 Nov 06 (PDF: 1MB)
- New Choices Newsletter - Issue 2 Sept 06 (PDF: 452KB)
- New Choices Newsletter - Issue 1 June 06 (PDF: 589KB)
Comments, Compliments and Complaints
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