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Learning Disabilities
Annual Health Checks
We offer health checks once a year to people with a learning disability:
- People with learning disabilities are at higher risk of poor physical or mental health.
- Annual health checks help spot health problems early.
- They also help you make a plan to stay healthy now and in the future.
- These are offered to everyone aged 14 or over who has a learning disability
Easy Read information on annual health checks
Why have a health check?
Annual health checks help you and your GP practice look after your health.
They are a chance for us to get to know you better and understand what is important to you.
You can talk about anything that is hurting, worrying, or bothering you.
Health checks can help find problems early, before they become more serious.
They can also help you stay healthy and get the support you need.
You do not need to be ill to have a health check. You can have one even if you feel well.
What happens at my health check?
Your health check usually lasts about 45 minutes.
During your health check, you will:
- Get to know your nurse
- Have time to ask questions about your health
- Be asked questions about how you are feeling
You will be offered some simple checks, such as:
- Blood pressure
- Height
- Weight
- Chest
- Ears
- Mouth
You can say yes or no to any checks. That is okay.
After your health check, we may:
- Make a simple health plan with you
- Arrange other appointments, if needed
- Write things down so you can take them home
You can ask for a break at any time during your appointment.
Watch a video with about what happens during an health check.
Who will do my health check?
Most patients will see one of our nurses for their annual health checks.
The nurse will:
- Talk with you
- Check your health
- Ask what support you might need
Clare does most of the learning disability annual health checks at our practice. Click to see her photo.
You can also bring someone with you to your health check if you want.
What happens when I arrive?
When you arrive at the practice, check in at the information desk. You can also use the check in screens to skip the queue.
Please sit and wait in the waiting area you are told to go to.
You will be called in when it is time for your health check.
You may need to wait a while to be called in. We suggest you bring something to do while you wait.
How can I get ready for my health check?
You can do a few things to help get ready for your health check.
You may find it helpful to:
- Bring someone you trust with you
- Think about anything that hurts, worries you, or feels different
- Write things down or bring notes with you
- Bring a fidget toy
- Watch a short video about what happends in the health check before your appointment
Can I get extra help with my health check?
We want your health care to work well for you!
You can ask for support that helps you come for your health check. We call these 'reasonable adjustments'.
These can include:
- A longer appointment
- Extra time to fill in forms
- Staff speaking more slowly or using easy to understand words
- Information in Easy Read or other accessible formats
- and more
Tell us what helps you when you book or speak to the nurse on the day.
Find out more about what we offer to support access for people with disabilities.
Local Support
Withywood CIC
Withywood CIC uses gardening, creativity and nature-based activities to support people with additional needs and wellbeing challenges, helping individuals build confidence, skills and resilience through community engagement
The Music Man Project Jackdaws
A weekly music-making and social group for young adults with learning disabilities. Wednesdays, 11am to 2pm (term time only). Held at Jackdaws, Great Elm, BA11 3NY. £3 per session, payable termly.
KeyRing - My Hub
Drop-in Support for people with a learning disability or mental health need. Every Wednesday 10 am to 12 midday in the Live Well room at Frome Medical Practice.
SEND Somerset’s Local Offer
Information for children and young people (0-25) with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
Somerset Max Card
Discount card for foster families and families of children with additional needs (ages 0–25). Valid for 2 years, one card per household. Offers reduced entry to attractions and venues across the UK.
Activity Passes Somerset
Free activity day passes are available to all families in Somerset with a child or young person with a disability or additional need.
Accessibility and Autism Friendly Libraries
They provide accessible services for library members with special needs or disabilities. They also offer support and services for carers, foster carers, home educators and childminders.
Children with Disabilities Service
Help with equipment, short breaks, and care for disabled children and their carers. Supports and safeguards children in Somerset with a disability or on the autism diagnosis pathway, from birth to age 18.
Concessionary Bus Passes
National concessionary travel scheme passes for Somerset residents of pensionable age or who are disabled.
Open Story Tellers
A Frome based community arts charity supporting people with learning disabilities to find their voice and use it.
The Pod
Creates a safe haven for Children, Young People and Adults with additional needs, opportunities for fun, friendship and community involvement – a sense of belonging.
KeyRing – South West Services
Provides individual support and group meet ups for people who have a learning disability, autism or need support with their mental health.
Mojo Moves Dance and Exercise Classes
Mojo Move is a retro feel-good workout which combines comedy with proper dance aerobics.
FLOC – SEND Parent & Carer Support Group
A supportive, welcoming space for parents and carers of children with SEND to connect, share experiences, and find community. Facilitated by trained parent carers.
4th Wednesday of every month. 7:45 to 9pm
The Good Heart Café, 7 Palmer Street, Frome
Frome Otters Hydro Club
Frome Otters Hydro Club provides specialist swimming and hydrotherapy sessions for children and young people aged 5–18 with additional needs, helping them build confidence, develop water skills and improve wellbeing in a safe, supportive environment.
The club also offers valuable support and connection for parents and carers
Gateway & Mencap Clubs – Frome
Gateway and Mencap Clubs both provide social activities for adults with learning disabilities. They meet alternate Thursdays and have joint events.
Gateway Club meets from 7.30 to 9.15pm
Holy Trinity Church Hall, Trinity St, Frome BA11 3DE
Call 07754 748095 Ann Taylor, Gateway
Mencap Club meets from 7.45 to 9.15pm
South Parade Club, 7a South Parade, Frome BA11 1EJ
07929 664211 Tony Perry, Mencap
Boccia – Frome
Boccia is an inclusive game for disabled people, older people and their carers. It is similar to bowls but easier to play. Hosted by KeyRing and run by Nova Sport & Coaching.
Venue: Cheese and Grain, Market Yard, Justice Lane, Frome BA11 1BE
When: Every other Thursday 1:30pm to 2:30pm
National Support
Mencap
The UK's leading charity for people with a learning disability and their families. Offers information, advice, wellbeing resources, a helpline, and support on health, social care, benefits and daily living.
Hospital Passports
A hospital passport tells the hospital about your healthcare, your learning disability, how you like to communicate and how to make things easier for you.
Listening Books
Online audiobook lending service for people whose illness, disability, or mental health makes reading or holding books difficult. Wide range of fiction and non-fiction for adults and children (ages 7+).
Easy Health
An online library of accessible health information with simple words, clear pictures and films.