Engage, Listen, Act: How to Meet the Needs of People with Learning Disabilities in the New Forest and Surrounding Area

This document reports the findings and suggestions made by researchers at The University of
Winchester regarding current and future practice at New Forest Mencap. The research explored the
needs, wants and aspirations of people with learning disabilities who live in the New Forest and the
surrounding areas in Hampshire, England with regard to their access to activities.
New Forest Mencap were keen to evaluate the needs of people with learning disabilities in the New
Forest and surrounding area regarding their activities and support. New Forest Mencap wished to
better understand the needs, wants and aspirations of people in this under-served community to
create evidence-based strategic aims and operational outcomes. Evidence-based funding bids
will then be created by New Forest Mencap to better meet the stated needs of people with learning
disabilities living in the New Forest and surrounding areas.
New Forest Mencap commissioned this research in a joint, co-produced project with The University
of Winchester. This research was funded by the National Institute for Health Research ARC Wessex
Clinical Research Network. The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of
the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care.

A report into how people with learning disabilities want to meaningfully spend their time