The aim of the Clear Thoughts project was to offer information on mental health, what it is and how to promote positive mental health in learning disability to individuals, their families, carers and professionals.
The project looked at the differences between emotional distress (mental ill-health) and learning disability and issues such as dementia and depression including factors such as sensory impairment, autism, ethnicity, policy and law.
The Clear Thoughts website was created in an easy-read format to make it accessible to individuals and carers, families and professionals. A questionnaire was sent out to gather feedback from the visitors to the site resulting in the improvement of the Clear Thoughts website by adding more colours, photos, drawings and images, a glossary and easy tools to get around the site.
A word bank was developed with commissioned images from contributions and feedback from people with a learning disability. The site is supported by Browsealoud meaning it also has an audio option
A CD-rom was developed which includes the word bank and also has a range of resources including checklists for assessing mental ill-health. This resource is free for Learning Disability Partnership Boards and can be purchased by others for £15.00. (Including P&P)
The website continues to be updated. The most recent additions are; information on the Human Rights Act, Capacity, Decision making with medical professionals and Head Start, an easy-read resource for those working with younger people regarding their mental health.
A series of Clear Thoughts delivered training days have been taking place throughout the UK, these will continue as long as there’s a demand for learning more about mental health and learning disability.
Clear Thoughts was funded by the Department of Health
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