Heather Duff, Nurse Team Leader, NHS Lothian, along with seven other Learning Disability (LD) nurses, came together to create an animation highlighting the need for improved support for individuals with learning disabilities within the justice system.
The ‘Think COULD’ animation was part of a project, funded by the Burdett Trust for Nursing, completed by the eight community leaning disability nurses across Scotland undertaking the Queen’s Nursing Institute Scotland leadership programme.
The video raises the profile of how to work with adults with learning disability, explaining what a learning disability is and how to make reasonable adjustments to ensure those with learning disabilities receive equitable treatment and fair access to justice.
Heather Duff said “It has been an invaluable learning experience, taking me and the group of LD nurses out of our comfort zone to develop an animation.
“We invested a lot of time and effort liaising with a range of stakeholders within the criminal justice system including adults with a learning disability to get it right.”
The video has been recognised within policy and practice in the justice system, receiving ministerial support and has been included within the Police Scotland training programme.
The animation has gone on to pick up two awards including one from the Scottish LD Nurse Network and a national Nursing Times Award.
Heather travelled down to London in October to pick up the prestigious Nursing Times Award.
Heather added, “It was so exciting for us Learning Disability Nurses in Scotland to be recognised UK wide at these awards. We are beyond delighted that our hard work has paid off and hope it’ll really makes a real difference for those with learning disabilities.” Watch the animation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6C8a-lx5VE
