Knowing who can provide support can help the process of moving to adult services. If you are still under the care of children's services you can contact the Paediatric Disability Nurse Specialist on 0117 3421571.  

When you have moved to adult services you can contact the Learning Disability and Autism nurses on 0117 3421707 if you are in Bristol or 01934 881173 for Weston. You can also email learningdisabilities@uhbw.nhs.uk or AutismLiaisionService@uhbw.nhs.uk. The Learning Disability and Autism Team are available from 8am - 4pm on Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays).

Alongside the healthcare teams in the hospitals there are lots of organisations and charities that provide useful information and support for those with a learning disability or autism. Below you will find just a few that we recommend. You may also wish to talk to your friends, family and carers or have a community nurse, school or college teachers that may also be able to help support you.

• British Institute of Learning Disabilities (BILD) are focused on improving the quality of life for people with learning disabilities. They provide publications and training services for organisations and individuals and support advocacy.
• Mencap provide a variety of services including support with housing, education, employment and leisure activities.
• The National Autistic Society provides information, support and services for autistic people. They campaign for a better world for autistic people raising awareness through education.
• Bristol Autism Spectrum Service (BASS) provide support to adults with suspected or diagnosed Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.   
• The Sirona Community Learning Disabilities Team is made up of different professionals who work with adults who have a learning disability. They work with people to support their health needs in community settings, for example: at home, college, day service, work places or doctors surgery. 

Having a learning disability or autism can put that person more at risk as they have care and support needs. Because of this they may be less likely to protect themselves. Safeguarding is important to know about and is focused on protecting vulnerable adults and children from neglect and abuse. Safeguarding adults is important because:

• Everyone has the right to live free from harm, fear and abuse
• Abuse can severely affect a person's ability to carry out day to day tasks

You can read more about safeguarding here.