This in from the police. Ed
A new informative booklet designed to help people with learning disabilities report crime to the police has been published.
The booklet uses simple text and pictures to guide people through the process of reporting an incident to the police.
It also gives descriptions and shows pictures of different police officers and staff people may come into contact with at a police station or out in public.
Collaborative project
The booklet is a Total Communications publication, which has been developed in association with Hampshire Constabulary and Connect Advocacy.
Total Communications is a project which was set up by Hampshire County Council, Hampshire Partnership NHS Trust, Hampshire Constabulary and several voluntary groups and charities in 2006.
It aims to address the communications needs of people with learning disabilities to ensure information is as accessible as possible for everyone.
The booklet was developed after four self-advocates (people with learning disabilities who work to make sure they and others have access to information in an understandable format) realised that reporting something to the police could be a very daunting prospect.
Solution developed
So Stephen Hull, Angela Jestico, Hazel Windaybank, and Jeremy Hatcher decided to do something to help and came up with the idea of the booklet.
Working with Inspector Simon Tribe, the idea turned into reality and now 10,000 copies of the booklet have been printed to be distributed across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
The booklet was put together in consultation with the self-advocates and the group is extremely pleased with the end result.
Hazel Windaybank, a self advocate who worked on the booklet with Connect Advocacy said: “I really hope this helps people report crime to the police. We need to stop crimes happening against people with a learning disability but if it does happen they need to know what to do”
Offering much needed support
Anne Williams, the Department of Health’s national director for learning disability, said: “People with learning disabilities often find it difficult to report crime.
“This booklet is an excellent local initiative that offers support and helps them understand the process, what will happen, and that they will be taken seriously.”
Inspector Simon Tribe said: “This has been a great project to be involved with and I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the advocates from Connect Advocacy.
“Reporting a crime to the police can be a very daunting experience so hopefully this booklet will go some way to helping to make that process a little easier for people with learning disabilities.”
10,000 copies of the booklets have been printed and are available by contacting Connect Advocacy on 01329 848649 or email [email protected]
