During the Covid-19 crisis Mencap NI has been working in partnership with a number of family carers, practitioners and researchers on a resource for families who care for children, young people or adults with a learning disability or developmental difficulty (including those who are autistic).  The resource can be found at www.positiveapproachestosupport.co.uk / www.epats.org.uk and contains information about effective communication techniques, ideas for creating choice and independence, strategies to reduce behaviours that challenge and tools to support well-being.  There are also a range of videos and printable resources available and families will find it valuable both during and after the Covid-19 lockdown.   

Over the last 3 months Mencap NI has also set up a Family Support Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Mencap-Family-Support-NI-106146074379695/ where families can source information, resources and activity ideas. Parents and carers can also schedule a time to speak to one of the family support team by contacting familysupport@mencap.org.uk.