From Mike Bomford, Exeter 382173, October 09, 2008

An Awareness Day has been organised at Newton Abbot Racecourse to inform people with learning disabilities, and their families and carers, about the range of services and support that are available locally.

The event, from 10am to 3pm on Wednesday 15 October, has been arranged by Devon County Council after the idea was suggested by members of Teignbridge's Learning Disability Forum.

The Forum includes people with learning disabilities, their families and carers, representatives of health and social care authorities and other providers of local services.

Devon County Council's Adult and Community Services will be represented, with a range of information about accommodation and support; employment training and training to equip people with independent life skills.

There will be information about short break schemes, which give carers a break from their caring roles. And about the Council's Direct Payments scheme, which give people the opportunity to take control over how their support is provided.

Devon Primary Care Trust will also be there, as will representatives from Guinness Care and Support; the Robert Owen Foundation; Home Farm Trust; South Devon College; Newton Abbot Leisure Centre; Mencap; PLUSS; Banking Made Easy; the British Institute of Learning Disabilities; Devon and Cornwall Police and Fire authorities; and agencies including Step By Step, Step One, and Forward Living.

Gordon Slade, who regularly attends the Teignbridge Learning Disability Forum said:

"We wanted to arrange an Awareness Day so that people can come along and get either information or speak to someone about anything to do with learning disabilities. It will be a good opportunity to meet up with other people and make links with other local groups."

Devon County Council's Executive Member for Adult and Community Services, Cllr Hugo Barton said:

"We are expecting a great turn out to see the many services that are available locally that are supporting people with learning disabilities to help them help themselves. I would like to warmly invite anyone who has an interest or involvement with people with learning disabilities to come along and help make the day a real success."