SUPPORT workers and service users in Hexham have been taking part in a national campaign that aims to improve the experience of people with learning difficulties in healthcare appointments.

The campaign, organised by Mencap, advocates using ‘craftivism’ – a mixture of craft and activism – to send a message to the chairmen of local NHS trusts.

Cat Bell, a support worker with Mencap, explained why the campaign was so important.

She said: “Adults and children with learning difficulties or other mental difficulties are much more likely to get medical intervention throughout their life.

“Last week was Mencap activism week, and Mencap were promoting what they’re calling ‘craftivism’.

“It’s all about treating people well. Making reasonable adjustments for people with learning difficulties is reasonable, and making simple adjustments makes a big difference.

“We’re making a fridge magnet each to send to the NHS managers – the people who deal with money.

“We’re hoping to get one fridge magnet on their fridge, so every morning when they’re having coffee, they will look at it and think ‘today, I need to make reasonable adjustments and treat people well’.”

However, Cat, her colleagues and the people they support were quick to point out that services in Hexham already catered well for people with disabilities.

Hazel Miller, who has developmental disorder William’s Syndrome, said: “I have William’s Syndrome, so I find it hard to remember things and I can be forgetful. I didn’t used to like medical appointments, I found them quite frightening.

"People have been quite awful to me, but in Hexham it’s different.

"I’ve got paid employment and all my staff know how to explain things to me.”