Learning Disabilities Service Provision in Camden
Learning disability service provision in Camden comprises a range of health, social care and voluntary sector organisations that support children, young people and adults with learning disabilities. This includes statutory services, commissioned care and support services (both block-contracted and spot-purchased provision), and voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations, creating a whole-system offer across the life course.
Camden Council works with partners to promote:
Independence and choice
Health and wellbeing
Inclusion in community life
Opportunities for employment and meaningful activity
Strong voice, co-production and lived experience leadership
Effective transition pathways from Children’s and Young People’s Disability Services (CYPDS) to adult services
Early intervention and prevention to reduce escalation of need
Flexible responses to changing needs and circumstances
Strengths-based approaches that build on people’s skills, assets and aspirations
Service delivery is underpinned by Camden’s “What Matters” approach, which focuses on strengths-based, relational and trauma-informed practice. Services are expected to work collaboratively across neighbourhoods, reduce health inequalities, promote equality and inclusion, and enable people with learning disabilities to live good lives within their local communities.
Camden draws on specialist expertise across health and social care, including:
Autism-informed support for autistic people and people with co-occurring learning disabilities
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) approaches
Mental health services aligned to the needs of people with learning disabilities
Multi-disciplinary specialist assessment and intervention
Transition support across children’s and adult services
Community-based approaches that promote independence, prevention and inclusion
Please see below further information on local service provision in Camden:
Accommodation based support
Supported Living
Eligibility / remit: Supported living is a core part of Camden’s accommodation-based offer for adults with learning disabilities aged 18 and over. It provides people with the opportunity to live in their own home with the security of tenancy rights, while receiving flexible, person-centred care and support that promotes independence, wellbeing and inclusion. The overarching outcomes for people using supported living services are: Living as independently as possible and in ways that matter to them Having a safe, stable and suitable home Enjoying good health, wellbeing and quality of life Being a valued and active member of their community Having choice, control and a voice in decisions affecting their lives Supported living services aim to: Enable people to access and sustain suitable accommodation Promote independence, skills development and self-determination Support people to develop and maintain meaningful relationships and community connections Improve health and wellbeing outcomes Reduce social isolation Prevent unnecessary admissions to hospital or more intensive care settings Provide the right support at the right time to help people remain living locally wherever possible Camden currently commissions supported living services across four localities (North, Central, South and West Camden), delivered by voluntary and community sector providers. These services provide a range of accommodation and support options for people with varying levels of need, including people with complex needs, autistic people, and those who may require specialist behavioural or clinical support. Where local provision is unable to meet an individual’s assessed needs, Camden may spot-purchase supported living placements, including placements outside the borough. Reducing reliance on out-of-borough placements and increasing the availability of high-quality local accommodation remains a strategic priority.
Capacity / number known: Camden currently commissions 25 supported living services comprising 87 accommodation units. The Council has identified a need for additional supported living accommodation to meet current and future demand and has developed a Learning Disability Accommodation Strategic Framework to support market development. Current projections indicate a requirement for: 24 additional supported living units by 2025 A further 12 units by 2035 Future developments are expected to prioritise: Small-scale schemes (typically 4-6 units) Fully accessible accommodation Self-contained flats or en-suite accommodation Shared communal areas that support social interaction and community building Accommodation suitable for autistic people and people with complex support needs The Council is keen to work with housing providers, developers and care providers to increase in-borough provision, explore innovative funding solutions and develop high-quality accommodation that enables people with learning disabilities to live fulfilling lives within their local communities.
Referral process: Through CLDS or CYPDS, based on Care Act eligible needs.
Charlie Ratchford Court (Extra Care Housing)
Eligibility / remit: Charlie Ratchford Court is Camden’s in-house Extra Care Housing Scheme, providing accommodation and on-site care for adults with assessed social care needs who require support to maintain their independence but do not need residential care. The scheme supports people with a range of care needs, including some residents with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, and age-related needs. It aims to promote independence, wellbeing, community inclusion, and reduce loneliness through a strengths-based, person-centred model of care. The scheme consists of 38 self-contained flats (32 one-bedroom and 6 two-bedroom properties) with access to communal facilities including a shared lounge, wellbeing suite, dining facilities, gardens and community space. Residents receive flexible, on-site support tailored to their assessed needs while retaining their own tenancy rights.
Capacity / number known: 38 Extra Care apartments 24-hour on-site care and support. Camden Council operated and managed. Charlie Ratchford Court demonstrates Camden’s commitment to alternatives to residential care through innovative, strengths-based housing models. As demand for accommodation with care continues to rise, the scheme provides an important local option that promotes independence and may help prevent or delay admission to more intensive care settings. However, with only 38 units, the contribution it can make to meeting growing accommodation demand across Adult Social Care remains limited
Referral process: Access is through an Adult Social Care assessment. Individuals must have eligible care and support needs and be assessed as suitable for Extra Care Housing. Referrals are typically made via Adult Social Care teams, including CLDS where appropriate
Short breaks
For children and young people (0-18) PACE Camden Short Breaks
Eligibility / remit: Camden Council Short Breaks Service Provides short breaks ranging from a few hours to day activities, weekends and some overnight stays. Designed to give carers a break while helping children and young people develop skills, independence and friendships. Available through both: Universal services (sports, leisure, youth activities, family hubs) Specialist short breaks for children and young people with severe, profound or complex disabilities. Commissioned short-break services including: Play & Care (ages 5-17) GetActive @ The Green (ages 12-18) Overnights with 1:1 support Supports children and young people with disabilities and complex needs.
Referral process: Camden uses a Short Breaks Self-Assessment Referral Tool (SART). Families can complete the form themselves or with support from a professional such as a SENCO, social worker or health professional. Eligibility is then considered by the CYPDS.
Breakaway
Eligibility / remit: Short Breaks for people over 18 with learning disabilities, living at home with a parent or carer in Camden. Offers people the chance to socialise and learn daily living skills. Has 8 single bedrooms and a range of specialist equipment. Provides overnight stays which can be booked in advance and offers a temporary emergency placement should families need it.
Capacity / number known: 8 places While the number of people requiring support continues to grow, the capacity of the Breakaway service has not increased in line with demand. We are also seeing a rise in the number of older carers and reports of carer burnout, which is likely to further increase the need for short breaks. As a result, we are increasingly having to commission spot placements outside of Camden to meet this growing demand. We recognise the importance of addressing this and plan to review the current model and explore options for increasing local capacity.
Community Based support
Community Support
Eligibility / remit: The Learning Disabilities Community Support Service is a preventative, strengths-based service that supports young people (aged 14+) and adults with learning disabilities, including people with complex co-occurring needs such as mental health needs, autism, and behaviours that may arise from distress. The service aims to reduce social isolation, maximise independence, prevent crisis, and delay or reduce the need for more intensive accommodation-based support. The service is delivered through a locality model covering North and South Camden and supports Camden’s wider neighbourhood approach by helping people build meaningful connections within their local communities. Providers work collaboratively with health, social care, community and voluntary sector partners to ensure people are able to access the opportunities, resources and support available within their neighbourhoods. The service delivers: Peer support, shared hours and group-based opportunities Longer-term preventative support to maintain independence Time-limited interventions focused on developing skills and confidence Travel training and community navigation Crisis prevention and stabilisation support Support to access volunteering, training and employment opportunities Creative and proportionate use of assistive technology Support to develop community connections and reduce loneliness Outcome-focused support that promotes independence and progression over time.
Capacity / number known: The service commenced on 1 October 2025 and is delivered through a locality-based model across two geographical areas of Camden. The contract has an initial term of 54 months. Lot 1 (North Camden) is delivered by Centre 404 as the lead provider. Lot 2 (South Camden) is delivered by London Disability Network (LDN) as the lead provider. At mobilisation, approximately 80 residents transferred into the North Camden service and approximately 45 residents transferred into the South Camden service.
Referral process: Referrals are usually made via CYPDS (for children and young people) or CLDS (for adults). Following a Short Breaks Assessment or Care Act Assessment, eligible individuals may be offered support based on their assessed needs
Learning Disabilities Day Service
Eligibility / remit: The Learning Disabilities Day Service is based at the Greenwood Centre in Kentish Town and forms an important part of Camden’s wider “Living a Good Life” approach. The service supports adults with learning disabilities, including people with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) and autistic people, to live fulfilling lives, maintain wellbeing and participate actively in their communities. The service combines centre-based and community-based activities, promoting independence, inclusion, choice and personal development. Support is personalised and focuses on what matters most to each individual. The service aims to: Improve quality of life and wellbeing Promote community participation and inclusion Support development of daily living and independence skills Enable people to maintain relationships and social networks Improve health and wellbeing outcomes Reduce social isolation Support people to achieve outcomes identified in their person-centred plans Maximise independence and reduce reliance on paid support where appropriate. The service works closely with health, social care, families and community organisations to ensure people can access a broad range of opportunities and experiences both within and beyond the Greenwood Centre.
Capacity / number known: To be confirmed
Referral process: To be confirmed
Experts by Experience
Eligibility / remit: The Learning Disability Experts by Experience Service (Synergy) supports adults with learning disabilities and young people transitioning into adult services to influence the planning, design, delivery and evaluation of services across Camden. The service is built on the principle that people with lived experience are experts in their own lives and should play a central role in shaping local services and strategic priorities. Through individual and group engagement, quality checking, co-production and representation at strategic forums, the service ensures that the voices of people with learning disabilities are heard and acted upon. Activities include: Speaking Up groups Quality checking services Participation in commissioning activities Involvement in service reviews and redesign Strategic representation Co-production across Adult Social Care Leadership and development opportunities for people with lived experience. Camden intends to build on this approach through the future development of a broader Adult Social Care co-production model that will continue to ensure people with learning disabilities have a strong and influential voice in shaping services.
Capacity / number known: This contract will expire 31st March 2027. Officers are seeking to recommission the Adult Social Care (ASC) Co-Production and Lived Experience Involvement Service for adults who draw on care and support services. The new contract is proposed to commence on 1 April 2027 for a period of 60 months. The service will build on existing co-production arrangements, bringing them together into a single, more coherent model that promotes consistent principles, standards and learning across Adult Social Care. The recommissioned service will retain specialist expertise and tailored engagement approaches for key groups, including people with learning disabilities, autistic adults, people with mental health needs, and adults with experience of a range of commissioned care and support services. Through a stronger and more integrated approach, the service will ensure that residents with lived experience play a central role in shaping services, influencing strategic priorities, and driving continuous improvement across Adult Social Care.
Referral process: Not applicable. Participation opportunities will be advertised by the provider.
Learning Disability Job Hub
Eligibility / remit: Camden is committed to increasing employment opportunities for people with learning disabilities and recognises that meaningful employment delivers social, financial, health and wellbeing benefits. The Learning Disability Job Hub acts as a central point of access to employment advice, opportunities and support for residents with learning disabilities. The service works alongside a range of local partners to offer: Employment information, advice and guidance Careers planning and support CV preparation and job applications Access to apprenticeships and work experience Benefits and financial advice Signposting to specialist disability employment support Access to education and training opportunities Support to identify volunteering and progression opportunities.
Capacity / number known: There is a need to improve the Camden LD employment rate, which is currently 6.5%, as it falls below the average rate in London which is currently 8%.
Referral process: Self-referral, family/carer referral or professional referral. Referrals may also be made through CLDS, community support providers or Adult Social Care teams. Individuals are then supported or signposted to the most appropriate employment, training or supported employment offer.
Specialist Further Education provision
The Alexandra Centre (AC)
Eligibility / remit: The Alexandra Centre (AC) offers specialist courses for those aged 16-25 who have profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) and/ or autism and behaviours of concern. The centre is by Swiss Cottage in the heart of Camden, and learners are able to put their skills to use in real, everyday settings. Each student has an entirely personalised curriculum, based on their needs and the outcomes they want to achieve. As well as the learning outcomes that they need to succeed, the curriculum addresses a range of issues to help each young person achieve the outcomes specified in their Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan. They also have a health team at the centre, which includes physiotherapy, speech and language therapy (SALT), occupational therapy (OT), clinical psychology, a dietician, and a community nurse.
Capacity / number known: The service has capacity is for 50 learners. It has been identified that this cohort of people need a suitable move- on offer for when they leave AC; and a wraparound offer for those with really complex needs who attend AC and want to stay in borough.
Referral process: Identify the Alexandra Centre as a potential post-16 placement during transition planning and EHCP reviews. The young person’s SEN Case Officer/SEND team considers the placement as part of the EHCP process. The Council sends a formal consultation to the Alexandra Centre to determine whether it can meet the young person’s needs. This typically includes EHCP documentation and recent reports. The Alexandra Centre reviews the information and may arrange an assessment, visit, or discussion with the young person and family before responding. If agreed, the placement is named in the young person’s EHCP, and funding is confirmed through the local authority.
Health and Wellbeing Workstreams
Camden has a range of internal services and initiatives that specifically support adults with learning disabilities. There are also wider commissioned services that include a specifically tailored learning disabilities provision.
The Bridge Service is a commissioned specialist sexual health service delivered by Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust for Camden residents aged 16+ with learning disabilities. It provides tailored sexual health advice, screening, contraception, wellbeing support and accessible resources, helping adults with learning disabilities access services that might otherwise be difficult to navigate.
The MoreLife Learning Disabilities Weight Management Group is a targeted pilot within Camden’s commissioned adult weight management service. Delivered over 12 weekly sessions, the pilot was specifically adapted for adults with learning disabilities through accessible materials, adjusted delivery methods and support worker involvement. Referrals to the pilot were made through 5 learning disability nurses, and a further pilot is aimed for Autumn 2026. In addition, Public Health and Learning Disability teams collaborate on obesity reduction and healthy eating workstreams, recognising the higher prevalence of obesity and related long-term conditions among adults with learning disabilities.
CGL also highlighted they have a neurodiversity lead role and a neurodiversity group, which includes adults with learning disabilities. The service has introduced personalised reasonable adjustments, communication support tools, staff training, and lived-experience-led improvements to help neurodivergent and learning disabled adults engage more effectively with drug and alcohol treatment and achieve better outcomes.