My Life My Choice Launch New Health and Happiness Project!

My Life My Choice (MLMC) is thrilled to announce the launch of the Health and Happiness Project, in partnership with the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board and Oxfordshire County Council. This initiative is dedicated to improving the lives of 20 adults with learning disabilities. Our goal is to help them lead healthier, happier lives.

Many individuals with learning disabilities experience social isolation, often spending most of their time at home without social interactions. According to MENCAP’s report “Stuck at Home,” 1 in 4 people with a learning disability spend less than one hour outside their home daily. The biggest challenge they face, however, is health inequality. NHS research highlights that people with learning disabilities have more significant and complex health needs than the general population, with higher rates of mental health issues and difficulties accessing healthcare. Additionally, fewer individuals with learning disabilities engage in physical activities.

Our Goals

The Health and Happiness Project aims to address these issues and support participants in achieving better health and wellbeing. Our key objectives include:

  • Raising awareness about available health and wellbeing services for people with learning disabilities.
  • Improving the overall health and wellbeing of individuals with learning disabilities.
  • Assisting local health service providers in better communicating with and addressing the health and wellbeing needs of people with learning disabilities.

How It Works

MLMC will work with 20 individuals over the course of one year to achieve these goals. In collaboration with health experts from organisations such as Active Oxfordshire and Stop for Life, members will be supported to develop health plans, tailored to their personal goals. This could include:

  • Eating healthy meals
  • Quitting smoking
  • Increasing exercise 
  • Spending more time outdoors
  • Reducing alcohol consumption

MLMC will work closely with members, assisting them in accessing services and achieving their goals. This support will be reinforced by workshops held throughout the year and the distribution of Easy Read toolkits that highlight the benefits of the project and a healthy lifestyle to all of our members. 

This project not only aims to deliver benefits for our members, but will create a lasting impact on the health services in Oxfordshire. Through consultation work delivered by experts with lived experience, a team of adults with a learning disability, MLMC will work alongside healthcare providers to ensure their services are accessible and appropriate, offering their unique insights and experiences.

Refer someone to the project

There are 20 spaces available. The criteria for those wanting to sign up for the project is: 

  • Exclusively for adults (18yrs+) with a learning disability 
  • Be based in Oxfordshire
  • Be able to commit to a one year health plan, including regular catch ups with our Health and Happiness Project Coordinator 

If you would like to put yourself or someone else forward, please complete the referral form below by Wednesday 31st July 2024.

For any queries, please contact Yazz at yazz@mylifemychoice.org.uk or call 01865 204214.

Thank You

MLMC would like to express a huge thank you to our key partner, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board, for funding this project.

Thank you also to the organisations supporting the delivery of the project: Active Oxfordshire, Stop for Life, Abingdon and Witney College and Oxfordshire County Council.  

Do you want to partner with us? 

If you currently deliver a health or wellbeing service that you believe our members with learning disabilities could benefit from, get in touch with us at yazz@mylifemychoice.org.uk