A PETERSFIELD charity has helped compile a report that will influence and challenge how health and social care services are provided locally.

Fitzroy in Hylton Road supports those with learning difficulties, ensuring they have independence, choice and a voice, and helped with the Healthwatch Hampshire report.

Healthwatch Hampshire represents patients views, and those of the public, on health and social care services across the county.

A team from the independent organisation visited five day care centres for adults with learning disabilities, including Fitzroy.

During the visits, 60 people were asked to draw self-portraits while team members spoke to individuals and recorded their experiences of health and social care services.

Valuable feedback about GP’s, carers, dentists and eye clinics was also gathered; the stories, self-portraits, and experiences were then compiled into the ‘My Face, My Story’ report.

The findings will be shared with service providers to help implement changes that will make health and social care services better for those with learning disabilities.

Key points in the report include the need for a strategy to reduce health inequalities for people with learning disabilities, and available support so that they can attend free annual health check-ups.

Also highlighted was the lack of disability liaison nurses in hospitals and a recommendation aimed at ensuring that unpaid carers are registered with their local GP practice.