What is this leaflet for?
This leaflet provides information about the Community Learning Disability Team (CLDT).
A member of staff or a carer can support you to read this leaflet. They will be able to answer any
questions that you have.
What we do
We work with adults over 18 years old with a learning disability who find it hard to use mainstream services.
Mainstream services are things like GP surgery, hospitals, opticians and dentists.
We support people who have specific mental health, physical health or behaviours that challenge due to their learning disability.
We work with you and other professionals like social services, education and voluntary services.
How we help
The Gateshead Community Learning Disability Team will:
- talk about what is important to you
- talk about what you want to change
- talk about things you can do with our help
- help other people look after you
We give you and those supporting you advice and support to help meet your healthcare needs.
We can also diagnose people with a learning disability who have a healthcare need if required.
The team
Speech and Language Therapists
Work with people who need help
communicating and understanding other people, and with eating and drinking.
Community Nurses
Provide advice, support and treatment for people with learning disability who have a variety of physical and mental health care needs. We also work with people who have behaviours that challenge.
Clinical Psychologists
Provide assessment and treatment for people with behaviours that challenge, emotional difficulties and mental health difficulties.
Physiotherapists
Provide treatment for physical health conditions around movement, function and postural management.
Psychiatrists
Are doctors who provide assessment and treatment of mental health problems.
Non-medical Prescribers and Pharmacist Independent Prescribers
Can prescribe and review your medication.
Occupational Therapists
Focus on promoting your independence and wellbeing and help you with everyday activities.
Occupational therapists also help understand how your senses work.
This includes touch, sight, sound, smell and taste.
They look at how this affects your everyday life.
Where we work
We can see you in lots of different places.
Places like your own home, day centres, hospitals and clinics.
We can see you on your own or with carers, family, friends or staff with you.
We also offer group support if you'd like.
How to be seen
We have an open referral system. This means anybody can refer for themselves or somebody else.
The person being referred must agree to the referral being made.
Referrals can be made:
- by phone or letter
- in person
- by completing a referral form available from Benton House
When a referral is made we can:
- talk to you about what we can do to help
- ask you if you are happy for us to work with you
You can say yes
You can say no
It is up to you
If you can't make decisions, and someone else needs to make them for you, then they must think about what is best for you.
This person could be a family member, carer, advocate, or another professional.
To work out what is in your best interest, they must listen to what you want.
They can also ask people who know you and make sure you are involved.
How to contact us
Gateshead Community Learning Disability Team
Bensham Hospital
82 -84 Fontwell Drive
Gateshead
NE8 4YL
We are open Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm
Telephone: 0191 478 0650
Email: GatesheadLD@cntw.nhs.uk
Emergency support
We do not provide an emergency response service.
- Call 999 for urgent medical attention
- For non urgent support call 111 and select the mental health option
This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
You will speak to a mental health professional who will listen and help you find the right support.
If you are Deaf or have communication difficulties, you can:
- Text 07860 064 775
- Use SignVideo
- Contact 18001 111 using the Relay UK app
Problems, complaints or suggestions
Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust has a complaints policy. If you want to complain we will give you a leaflet to explain how to, or you can talk to a member of staff.
If you think there are things we could do to make our service better please tell a member of the team.
You can also leave feedback by filling in a Your Voice survey. Use the code: LDGHDAT
Scan this QR code with your mobile phone to go to the survey.
Or click the button below:
How to find us
Entrance: Bensham Hospital, Fontwell Drive
Nearest bus: TB29 from Gateshead Interchange stand 6. Runs from 9am-4pm
Go Northeast website
Nearest Metro: Gateshead Metro, Gateshead Interchange
Gateshead Metro timetable
For further information contact Traveline
Telephone: 0191 20 20 747
Further information about the content, reference sources or production of this leaflet can be obtained from the Patient Information Centre. If you would like to tell us what you think about this leaflet please get in touch.
This information can be made available in a range of formats on request (Braille, audio, larger print, BSL or other languages). Please telephone the Patient Information Centre on 0191 246 7288
Published by the Patient Information Centre
2025 Copyright: Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust
Ref: PIC/812/0825 August 2025 V5
Review date 2028
Website: www.cntw.nhs.uk
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