Over 90 people heard about the experiences of and opportunities for young people with a learning disability and their families going through the transition process.

The programme included Mencap Young Ambassador 17 Year old Luke Hutchinson who talked about his transition experience which included the Mencap HYPE service – part of a suite of family support services in the Northern Outcomes Group area.

Margaret Field, a parent and member of the Post 19 Lobby Group whose son attends social enterprise and The Base drop in facility through the Northern HSCT Day Opportunities Programme emphasised how stressful this time is for families. Families also heard from Northern Health and Social Care Trust, NEELB Transition Service and Southern Regional College about how organisations are working together.

A Q&A panel consisting of Annete Crawford, Mencap in NI Co-Chair, Julie Jamieson, Parent, Danny Kinahan, MLA, Patricia Lewsley-Mooney, Commissioner for Children and Young People, Anne Hardy, Children and Young People’s Strategic Partnership, Mary Bell, Careers Service and Jasper McKinney, Southern Regional College answered questions about the need to ensure services are joined up and meet the full range of needs and aspirations of young people with a learning disability. Opportunities to become involved in the planning process within CYPSP for parents and young people were highlighted.

For further information about the CYPSP Transition Sub Group and how parents and young people can become involved