AQW 38733/11-15 Written question to the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety

To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what funding his Department, and its arm's-length bodies, have provided to support programmes which train people with a disability on issues related to sexual health and general wellbeing.

Asked by Claire Sugden MLA on 13 November 2014

  • Answered
  • Written
Tabled
13 November 2014
Answer due by
28 November 2014
Answered
26 November 201413 days after tabling
Department
Department of Health
Priority question
No

Answer

The information requested is not held centrally. Health and Social Care organisations commission a range of services for people with a disability and a range of programmes to promote sexual health and wellbeing, many of these services are accessible to people with a disability. Examples of specifically funded relevant services include: a funding allocation of £57,160 in 2013/14 to support the Family Planning Association’s ‘Just Ask’ programme, which aims to improve the sexual health of people with learning difficulties; funding of approximately £10,000 for the “Health for Youth through Peer Education” group to deliver sexual health programmes to 122 young people with learning disabilities studying at Belfast Metropolitan College; and funding of £5,000 to deliver a training programme on ‘Personal and Sexual Relationships’ to staff working with those with a learning disability.

Furthermore, in line with the objectives of my Department’s Physical and Sensory Disability Strategy and Action Plan 2012-2015, the Public Health Agency is leading on action to ensure the needs of people with disabilities are considered in the design and development of health promotion programmes and campaigns. Trust-funded programmes include, for example, staff working with adults with a learning disability and assisting them in accessing a range of health and wellbeing programmes such as sports and healthy cookery programmes.

Official sources