Introduction
This leaflet provides information about the Community Learning Disability Team (CLDT). If you are not sure about anything in this leaflet please ask a member of staff.
What we do
We work with adults aged over 18 with a diagnosis of a learning disability who find it hard to use mainstream services. We work with people who have specific mental health, physical health or behaviours that challenge due to their learning disability.
We can also diagnose people with a learning disability who have a healthcare need should this be required.
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, ask people who know you and make sure you are involved.
All referrals are made to CLDT and the team decide who would be the best person to work with you.
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.
Help to identify how you process sensory information like touch, sight, sound, smell and taste, and how this affects your daily life.
How can we help?
The Newcastle 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.
The Newcastle Community Learning Disability Team work in a variety of settings like your own home, day centres, hospitals and clinics. We will:
- see you with your partner, parents, family members, carers and staff teams.
- offer you individual support and interventions and, at times, group support.
- speak to you and other professionals.
- work with you and other professionals like social services, education and the voluntary sector.
- give you and those supporting you advice and support to help meet your healthcare needs.
The Newcastle Community Learning Disability Team is unable to offer an out of hours emergency response service. If you need help in an emergency please contact:
- 999 - for urgent medical attention
- 111 - for non urgent medical attention or mental health support
- Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment Team – Newcastle and Gateshead
- 0191 814 8899
- 0800 652 2863
- Text number for people who are deaf and/or have communication difficulties 07919 228 548
How to contact us
Community Learning Disability Team
Benton House
136 Sandyford Road
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE2 1QE
Opening hours Monday – Friday 9am - 5pm
Telephone: 0191 210 6868
Email: CTLDAdmin@cntw.nhs.uk
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. Please use the team code LDCNCT
Where are we?
Entrance: from Sandyford Road, off Portland Terrace
Nearest bus: Nexus – Sandyford – 1
- Nexus – Sandyford – Stand C – 1, 308, 351, 37, 306, 309, 352, Q3, 350, 38, 307, x39, 38A
- Nexus – Sandyford Road – Stand D – 1, 7,306,38,307,308, 309, 352, 350, Q3, 351, X39
- Nexus – Sandyford Stand E – 38, 37,306, 38A, 307, 308, 351, 309, 352, 350, x39
- (Closest bus stop) Nexus – Sandyford Stand F - 37, 307, 250, 38, 308, 351,306, 309, 352, x39
- Nexus – Portland Road – 1, 32, 32A
Nearest Metro: Jesmond Metro
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 contact 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/136/0825 August 2025 V7
Website: www.cntw.nhs.uk
Telephone: 0191 246 7288
Review date 2028