Shantona has been providing support to children and families to help break the stigma attached around learning disabilities or difficulties by engaging in social, educational and recreational activities.
The project focused on the engagement of parents and children with learning difficulties and is delivered through working co-operatively with our partner agencies Chapeltown Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) and People In Action. Service users had regular access to CAB support and we found this partnership to be conducive in strengthening support and empowering service users to making informed decisions.
Of the various types of support we provided, advocacy was our strength. Due to the stigma surrounding learning disabilities the south Asian community never revealed their problems. Shantona not only managed to break their barriers but ensure parents and children’s voices were heard and their needs were met. Shantona have helped many families with appeals against DLA applications, benefits, school applications and housing, health and welfare issues.
Shantona Services
Shantona have reached over 16 families within the last 18 months with services including:
Our future plans are to resume this project by securing alternative funding to be able to provide the best support possible to vulnerable families with learning disabilities/difficulties.
If you or a member of your family are affected by learning difficulties then please contact the Shantona Womens Centre by calling 0113 249 7120 or through our contact form and we will endeavour to help in any way we can.
Health Project
We provide services to the most hard to reach communities that do not otherwise have access to facilities until they develop severe or serious health problems. This year we have provided services to the community that improve well-being, promotes healthy choices, gives access to health services and ensures equality in local society.
