Public consultation on the draft learning disability service model ‘We Matter‘
The Health Minister has launched a 14-week public consultation on a learning disability service model.
The model outlines a three-year roadmap for transforming learning disability services in Northern Ireland.
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said: “This document is a platform for change. It sets out a new vision for how Health & Social Care (HSC) services can better support people with a learning disability to live the lives they choose.
“The model will drive our work and ultimately help support service improvement and partnership working across health, education and other key services and agencies, including working collaboratively with the community and voluntary sector.”
The We Matter – Learning Disability Service Model for Northern Ireland outlines an outcomes-based approach for adult learning disability services in the region.
It defines what good support should look like and brings together the values, outcomes and approaches that should guide how care is designed, commissioned, and delivered.
It also signals the kind of system change required to improve people’s experience of services, from improved transitions and accessible housing to more responsive mental health care and better support for carers.
Minister Nesbitt added: “My vision is that this model for adult learning disability services, underpinned by a fully costed implementation plan, will enable my Department and HSC Trusts to better commission the right level and blend of services to support people in the community at an earlier stage.
“It will help reduce the need for acute inpatient care, high-cost bespoke arrangements and Extra Contractual Referrals (ECRs).
“It is intended to standardise provision across the region, ensuring that service users and families can access the same pathways and services aligned to assessed needs.
“I would urge everyone to take the time to respond to this consultation, particularly those with lived experience and make your opinions known. My Department is committed to considering all views expressed.”
Consultation documents and response questionnaire are available on the Department’s website at:
Learning Disability Service Model | Department of Health
and on the Citizen Space website at:
https://consultations2.nidirect.gov.uk/doh-1/learning-disability-service-model
The closing date for responses is 5pm, 25 November 2025.
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An Easy Read of the model and questionnaire is also available to access online.
It has been co-produced in association with Telling It Like It Is (TILLI) who are a well-established advocacy group that comprise of people with learning disabilities.
TILII is one of the lead projects within the Association for Real Change (ARC), a leading umbrella body representing the learning disability community and is a key partner for DoH in helping to deliver services in the learning disability sector.
Their purpose is to improve the quality of life for people who have a learning disability, autism and other support needs.
