Module 1: Supporting healthy relationships for people with a learning disability
Half day (online) - 9.30 to 1pm
Date: Friday 4 March 2026
Aim
People with a learning disability can be isolated and have fewer friends than people who do not have a learning disability, which has negative impacts on their physical and mental health. This online course aims to explore how we can support people with learning disabilities to develop relationships, including intimate and sexual relationships. It considers issues around capacity and consent and addresses risks and responsibilities.
Target Audience
Target audience
- Support Workers, Day Centre Support Staff, Care assistants, Personal Assistants etc.
- People who are new to the role of supporting adults with learning disabilities.
- Anyone working with adults with a learning disability who requires a refresher on this topic.
Learning outcomes
- Knowing about the laws and good practice guidance that support people with learning difficulties to develop positive relationships.
- Understand the importance of friendships and intimate relationships.
- Understand the difficulties that people with learning difficulties face in establishing and maintaining relationships.
- Understand issues of capacity and consent around intimate and sexual relationships.
Content
- Good practice and law
- Building relationships
- Influences on sexuality and expression
- Capacity and consent
Book course
Not for profit organisations In Lambeth, Lewisham, or Southwark and SLaM NHS or GSTT NHS staff.
Book course
All other learners
Tutor
Jo Delree is an independent learning disability nurse consultant and academic. Jo worked in mental health and learning disability services for the NHS, and in autism services before moving into nurse education, where she became an Associate Professor and head of division for mental health and learning disability nursing. She has written several book chapters on autism, mental health and learning disability and supporting people with challenging behaviours.
