Dalton man transforms health with learning disability nurse

Lewis Kelly, 27, from Dalton, received support from Jo Nevinson, a nurse at the Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust (LSCft).

Mr Kelly, who has Down Syndrome, received help from the South Cumbria Learning Disability Service after experiencing depression during the Covid-19 pandemic.

He said: "I was struggling in Covid, getting depressed.

"I started pulling my hair and picking my skin.

"I was very quiet, feeling worried and all out-of-sorts.

"I used to love acting and didn’t do any of the things I liked."

Following his referral to the service, he started to see improvements in his mental health.

Jo Nevinson, a learning disability nurse (Image: LSCft)

He said: "Jo was really supportive.

"She gave me exercises and things to read.

"We did assessments. Then she gave me things to do and make, started hobbies and suggested walks.

"We kept in touch once a week until I got better."

Ms Nevinson spoke about the holistic approach of the service.

She said: "This is just one of the ways in which we help people with a learning disability in addition to lifestyle advice, education, and getting them into work to help those affected become more confident contributing members of society and their communities.

"They have a lot of brilliant qualities and transferable skills and are an asset to many charities and organisations acting as volunteers or employees.

“It’s been a pleasure to see service users at the start of their journey and reach their goals like Lewis did with his weight loss.”

Dalton man Lewis Kelly (Image: Supplied)

Ms Nevinson's support was instrumental in Mr Kelly's weight loss journey, helping him join a slimming group.

Mr Kelly said: "Jo gave me the confidence to join slimming world which was a great help. I feel confident now.

"I can go in the hot tub, I like having barbeques, going out, socialising and photography.

"I go to shows and to see bands.

“Jo makes me feel happy, you’re really supportive and I feel proud for you.”

Mr Kelly's story comes during Learning Disability Awareness Week, which runs from June 17 to 23.

The LSCft is using this time to highlight its services, which extend to all ages and across a broad spectrum of professional backgrounds, from psychologists and psychiatrists to occupational therapists and healthcare support workers.

The Trust focuses on physical and mental health, challenging behaviour and offending behaviour.

They encourage annual health checks and develop health action plans for those with learning disabilities.

Alongside assessment and care plan development, they offer practical support, working with the individual and partnering with independent or voluntary sector organisations.