We provide a range of services for adults aged 18 and over with a learning disability.
Most people are referred to us through our community learning disability teams. These teams will meet with you to understand your needs and what matters to you. They will then create a personalised support plan based on your goals and preferences.
You will have a named worker who will help arrange the right services and support for you. The level of support you receive will depend on your assessed needs.
Moving from Children’s to Adult Learning Disability Services
Moving from children’s services to adult services is an important step in a young person’s life. We work to make this change as smooth as possible.
Planning starts early, from around age 14. This gives plenty of time to understand the young person’s needs and plan the right support for adulthood.
If a young person with a learning disability is already known to children’s disability services, or attends a special school, they will usually be referred to adult learning disability services before they turn 18. This helps make sure the right support is in place when they move to adult services.
Read more about moving to adult learning disability services.
How to access our services
You can be referred to Adult Learning Disability Services by your GP or another professional. You can also contact your local community learning disability team yourself.
To use this service, you must:
- Be aged 18 or over
- Have a diagnosed learning disability
- Live in the Northern Trust area
Once we receive your referral, a member of the community learning disability team will get in touch with you.
If you need to see a psychiatrist, you will need a referral from your GP or another medical professional.
Read more about our adult community learning disability teams.
About our services
How to contact us
Adult Community Learning Disability Teams
Antrim and Ballymena
- Telephone: 028 2563 5529
Cookstown and Magherafelt
- Telephone: 028 7936 5046
Causeway locality
- Telephone: 028 7034 7871
Carrickfergus, Larne and Newtownabbey
- Telephone: 028 9331 5100
Urgent help
Learning Disability Crisis Resolution Service
- Telephone: 028 9446 5211 (Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm)
If you need urgent help outside of these hours, (including weekends and bank holidays), please contact Dalriada Doctor Urgent Care Service – Telephone: 028 2566 3500. The Dalriada Doctor on call service will contact the Learning Disability Crisis Resolution Team.
Learning Disability Service User Forum
The Northern Trust has a Learning Disability Service User Forum. The forum is made up of people who use our services. Members share their experiences, speak up about concerns, and help us improve the care we provide. If you would like to take part in the forum – speak to your key worker or contact your local community learning disability team.