A University-developed family caregiver support programme is at the centre of a major initiative launch by the charity Mencap.
The E-PAtS (Early Positive Approaches to Support) family caregiver programme, developed by Dr Nick Gore at the Tizard Centre, supports caregivers at an early stage with sensitive, emotional support, information and practical skills to improve wellbeing and quality of life for children and families, support positive development and reduce the risks of behaviours that challenge.
Mencap has been piloting E-PAtS in Northern Ireland and launched its Family Support Programme to help families and improve outcomes for young children with a learning disability across the province on 18 January.
The charity says children with a learning disability are more likely to grow up in poverty, have poor educational attainment and a greater risk of mental health difficulties.
There are 5,000 children with a learning disability under the age of seven in Northern Ireland and with two children being born every week with the disability Mencap NI are calling for more services to be developed to support families in every Health and Social Care Trust.
Dr Gore’s programme is routinely facilitated by trained professionals and family caregivers working in partnership and has already been delivered to over 60 families in the Belfast and Omagh areas.
