About the Shepway District Partnership Group

District Partnership Groups are part of the Kent Learning Disability Partnership Board structure in Kent.  The Kent Partnership Board exists to take forward the Valuing People agenda and to be a powerful voice for change for people with learning disabilities and their families.

What is Valuing People?

Valuing People is the government's plan for making the lives of people with learning disabilities, their families and carers better.

It is based on people having:

• their rights as citizens
• inclusion in local communities
• choice in daily life
• real chances to be independent

It was written with help from people with learning disabilities, family carers, and people who work in services or other organisations for people with learning disabilities.

What does the District Partnership Group Do?

District Partnership Groups were set up to make sure local people can influence change and make decisions about the services in the area where they live.  They are a way of involving and enlisting the help of a greater number of people.

District Partnership  Groups meet 6 times each year to discuss and debate issues concerning people with learning disabilities, their families and carers. 

The District Partnership Group wants to get to know people with learning disabilities, their families and carers living in the local community and to find out what support and services are needed. 

The District Partnership Group works with the Kent Learning Disability Partnership Board to share information and experiences.  The District Partnership Group elects 2 Joint Chairs, one of whom is a person with a learning disability.  The Joint Chairs represent the District on the Kent Partnership Board.

The Group also works with local agencies and other organisations to make local plans which will make good changes for people with learning disabilities and their carers.