Learning Disabilities Support: Empowering Independence and Fuller Lives
Person-centered support across Canterbury and Dover, helping individuals with learning disabilities live independently, develop skills, achieve goals, and participate fully in their communities.
Everyone Deserves to Live Their Best Life - With the Right Support
Having a learning disability doesn't define who you are or limit what you can achieve. With the right support, understanding, and opportunities, individuals with learning disabilities can live independently, develop new skills, pursue their interests, build relationships, and participate fully in their communities.
Meridian Care's Enabling Services take a person-centered, strengths-based approach to supporting people with learning disabilities. We don't focus on what you can't do - we focus on what you can do, what you want to do, and how we can support you to achieve your goals and live the life you choose.
Our enabling services aren't about 'caring for' someone - they're about empowering individuals to live fuller, more independent lives. Whether you're a young adult transitioning to independence, someone seeking to develop daily living skills, or an individual wanting to engage more with your community, we provide tailored support that promotes autonomy, choice, dignity, and personal growth.
From help with daily routines and life skills to community access, social activities, advocacy, and emotional support, our experienced team works alongside you (not for you) to help you achieve your aspirations and live confidently and independently.
What Are Enabling Services for Learning Disabilities?
Enabling services are person-centered support designed to help individuals with learning disabilities develop skills, increase independence, and participate fully in community life. Unlike traditional 'care' which can create dependence, enabling services focus on empowerment, skill-building, and supporting people to do things for themselves with the right guidance and encouragement.
Independence, Not Dependence
We support you to do things yourself rather than doing things for you. Our goal is always to increase your independence and confidence.
Person-Centered Support
Your support is designed around YOUR goals, YOUR preferences, YOUR interests, and YOUR aspirations - not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Strengths-Based Approach
We focus on your strengths, abilities, and potential rather than limitations. Everyone has talents and capabilities to build upon.
Rights and Advocacy
We uphold your rights, ensure your voice is heard, and advocate on your behalf when needed. You have the right to make choices about your life.
Community Inclusion
We support you to access your community, build relationships, pursue interests, and participate in society as an equal citizen.
Dignity and Respect
We treat you with respect, recognizing your autonomy and right to make decisions about your own life (with support if needed).
Comprehensive Support to Empower Independence
Flexible, person-centered services designed around your goals, preferences, and aspirations.
Independent Living Skills Support
Building confidence in daily living - from personal care and home management to meal preparation and money management.
- Personal care and hygiene routines
- Home management and housework
- Meal preparation and cooking
- Money management and budgeting
- Step-by-step skill teaching
Community Access and Social Inclusion
Connecting you with your community through shopping, leisure activities, public transport, and social participation.
- Shopping and community activities
- Public transport training
- Leisure facilities access
- Social clubs and groups
- Building friendships
Education, Training, and Employment Support
Achieving your learning and career goals with support for education, volunteering, and employment opportunities.
- College and adult education support
- Volunteering opportunities
- Job searching and applications
- Workplace support and coaching
- Skills development and training
Communication Support
Helping you express yourself and be understood using Makaton, PECS, visual aids, and assistive technology.
- Makaton and PECS support
- Visual aids and communication boards
- Assistive technology
- Advocacy and speaking up
- Social communication skills
Health and Wellbeing Support
Supporting your physical and mental health through appointments, medication, healthy lifestyle choices, and emotional wellbeing.
- Attending medical appointments
- Medication management
- Healthy lifestyle support
- Mental health and emotional wellbeing
- Annual health checks
Positive Behaviour Support
Understanding and supporting challenging behaviour through positive, trauma-informed approaches that address underlying needs.
- Understanding behaviour as communication
- Proactive strategies and routines
- De-escalation techniques
- No restrictive practices
- Working with behavior specialists
Social and Leisure Activities
Enjoying life and pursuing your interests through sports, arts, hobbies, and fun activities.
- Sports and physical activities
- Creative arts and crafts
- Gaming and technology
- Concerts, shows, and events
- Day trips and outings
Relationship and Sexuality Support
Sensitive, age-appropriate support around relationships, sexuality, personal identity, and safeguarding.
- Relationship support and guidance
- Age-appropriate sex education
- Understanding consent and boundaries
- LGBTQ+ identity support
- Safeguarding education
Getting Nutrition Support from Meridian Care
Person-centered assessment, goal-setting, and flexible support designed around you.
Contact Us
Get in touch to discuss your needs. We'll listen to your goals and what support you need.
Person-Centered Assessment
Relaxed 1-2 hour assessment getting to know you, your goals, interests, and support needs.
Support Plan & Goal Setting
Creating your personalized plan with YOUR goals, activities, schedule, and preferences.
Meet Your Support Team
Introductions to your support workers. Building relationships and trust is essential.
Support Begins
Starting your journey towards your goals with skilled, compassionate support workers.
Regular Reviews
Celebrating achievements, setting new goals, and adjusting support as you progress.
Why Individuals and Families Trust Meridian Care
Experienced, values-led support that truly enables independence and quality of life.
CQC Rated 'Good'
Both branches rated 'Good' by CQC for learning disability support.
Learning Disability Expertise
Specialist training in person-centered planning, positive behavior support, and communication methods.
Person-Centered
Your support designed around YOUR goals, interests, and aspirations.
Strengths-Based
Focusing on abilities, talents, and potential - not limitations.
Enabling Independence
Supporting you to do things yourself, building skills and confidence.
Rights and Advocacy
Upholding your rights and ensuring your voice is heard.
Family Partnership
Working with families whilst keeping YOU at the center.
Consistent Support Workers
Same familiar faces building genuine relationships and trust.
What Our Clients Say
Don't just take our word for it - hear from the families we've supported across Canterbury, Dover and surrounding areas.
Rated 'Excellent' on Homecare.co.uk based on verified client reviews
Your Goals, Your Life, Your Support
Person-centered enabling services that empower you to live independently, develop skills, and achieve your aspirations.
Request Your Free Person-Centered Assessment
Complete the form, and we'll contact you to discuss enabling services and arrange a relaxed, informal assessment.
Your Free Assessment Includes:
- Getting to know you - your interests, goals, and dreams
- Understanding needs - areas where you want support
- Discussing goals - what you want to achieve
- Exploring interests - activities and skills you want to pursue
- Meeting potential support workers - building relationships
- Support plan creation - personalized plan designed around you
- Funding guidance - help accessing Local Authority funding or Direct Payments
- No obligation - no pressure to proceed
Assessment Duration: 1-2 hours (relaxed, informal)
Location: Your home or somewhere you feel comfortable
Learning Disability Support: Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common questions about enabling services. Can't find what you need? Call Canterbury 01227 712300 or Dover 01304 240424.
Understanding Enabling Services
Getting Started
Support Delivery
Skills Development and Goals
Communication and Advocacy
Behaviour Support
Safeguarding and Safety
Funding and Costs
Still have questions?
Call us: Canterbury 01227 712300 | Dover 01304 240424
Email: canterbury@meridian-care.co.uk
We're happy to discuss enabling services and answer any questions you have.
Your Goals Matter - Let's Achieve Them Together
Person-centered enabling services that empower independence, build skills, and create opportunities.
Free assessments - no obligation. We'd love to hear about your goals.
Canterbury Branch
Meridian Care Ltd
Unit 88 Thomas Way
Lakeview, International Business Park
Canterbury, Kent CT3 4NH
Tel: 01227 712300
Email: canterbury@meridian-care.co.uk
Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm
CQC Rating: Good - View Report
Dover Branch
1st Floor
25 Castle Street
Dover, Kent CT16 1PT
Tel: 01304 240 424
Email: canterbury@meridian-care.co.uk
Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm
CQC Rating: Good - View Report