In the UK, around 1.5 million people have a learning disability – a neurological condition someone is born with, resulting in a reduced capacity for learning new information.

Some conditions, such as Down’s syndrome or cerebral palsy, are usually diagnosed before or shortly after birth but most learning disabilities are spotted when childhood development milestones are missed. 

Learning disabilities present in a variety of ways. Common characteristics include:

  • Reduced capacity to learn new skills and information.
  • Challenges with daily living skills like personal care and managing money.
  • Difficulties with reading, writing, maths, and other educational skills.
  • Difficulty communicating, expressing feelings and understanding others.
  • Impaired social skills and forming / maintaining relationships with others.
  • Behavioural issues: impulsiveness, hyperactivity, anxiety, and frustration.

Sometimes, learning disabilities can present other challenges, such as additional physical health needs or mental health issues.

Emotional issues and mental health struggles are commonly misdiagnosed in people with a learning disability. Conditions like depression and anxiety might present in a way that means they’re confused with other learning disability behaviours.  

Accessing support

Many individuals with a learning disability will require various levels of support throughout their whole life. From minimal assistance to more involved care, additional support is essential to help someone develop daily living skills, build meaningful relationships, and seek education or work opportunities. All these parts add up to individuals leading enriched and fulfilled lives.

Our mission

Our values

Our support

Your assessment

Your journey

Your team

Your choice

Listening to your feedback and opinions, we support the choices you make, empowering you to live the life you choose. Focusing on abilities, not disabilities, we join you on a journey of self-exploration, so you can live the best life possible.  

Find out where we can support you

loading...
  • Residential care home

  • Brain injury service

  • Specialist service

  • Community support

  • Children's service

  • Group of services

If you need further advice, call our friendly enquiry line on 0800 035 3776 or email referrals@voyagecare.com
Chris and Sam’s married life!
Learning disabilities

Chris and Sam’s married life!

Meet Sam and Chris Dixon, a married couple we support at Elmsmead, one of our specialist autism services in Somerset. ...

Volunteering opportunities support Phillip’s skills development!
Learning disabilities

Volunteering opportunities support Phillip’s skills development!

Every Wednesday when the clock strikes 12, Phillip, a person we support with Asperger’s syndrome, arrives at the Voyage Care ...

Back on track – bravely navigating Mike’s health journey!
Learning disabilities

Back on track – bravely navigating Mike’s health journey!

Injuries can stop us in our tracks. For most of us, they’re minor and we learn to adapt to them ...

Learning Disabilities Week 2024: Nurturing relationships for people with learning disabilities
Learning disabilities

Learning Disabilities Week 2024: Nurturing relationships for people with learning disabilities

Meaningful relationships foster a sense of happiness, security, and comfort, and they provide us with essential emotional support when we ...

Smashing misconceptions: “People with learning disabilities can’t work”
Learning disabilities

Smashing misconceptions: “People with learning disabilities can’t work”

Alison and Danielle have lived at one of our supported living services in Wiltshire, for the last three years. During ...

Assisting Jon in his journey to supported living services
Learning disabilities

Assisting Jon in his journey to supported living services

Meet Jon Jon is a person we support at Northfield House, one of our residential care homes in Taunton, Somerset. ...

Make An Enquiry