Peter Scott, CEO of ENABLE Scotland, gave a presentation at the TCV Greenability Conference about issues facing those with learning disabilities in Scotland. He discussed that approximately 120,000 people in Scotland have a learning disability. People with learning disabilities often have poorer health than others and die around 20 years younger on average. They also experience high levels of social isolation, deprivation, and poverty. The Scottish government's 10-year strategy called "The Keys to Life" aims to improve health, social connections, and dignity for those with learning disabilities. Green Gyms provide a natural way to improve both physical and mental health for this group through outdoor activities and social interaction in nature.

1. TCV Greenablilty Conference
Peter Scott
Chief Executive Officer
ENABLE Scotland

2. ENABLE Scotland 1954

3. ENABLE Scotland 2014

4. • “People with learning disabilities have a
significant, lifelong, condition that started
before adulthood, which affected their
development and which means they need
help to:
– understand information;
– learn skills; and
– cope independently.”
Intro to learning disability

5. How many people in Scotland
have a learning disability?
• Statistical estimate of
120,000
• 16,000 school age
children/young people
• 26,000 adults

6. The Keys to Life
• 10 year Scottish Government
strategy to drive forward change
• 52 recommendations across
162 pages!
• What does it say and why is it
relevant today?

7. Health
• People who have learning disabilities
• Have some of the poorest health of any group in
Scotland
• Die on average 20 years younger
• Have high levels of unmet health need
• Have different patterns of mortality and morbidity

8. Health
• Co-morbidity levels
– Epilepsy
– Mental health
– Obesity
– Underweight
– Dementia

9. Health
• Social isolation
• Deprivation
• Poverty
• Communication skills
• Prevention and self-
help

10. Friendship
• Only 1 in 3 people who have
learning disabilities could
name a close friend
• Many are socially isolated
and lonely
• Limited opportunities to
make/develop/keep friends
and/or loving relationships

12. Conclusion
• The keys to a good
life include:
• Health
• Friends
• Dignity

13. TCV website quotes
• “There really is a gym outside your window”
• “Our Natural Health Service is on hand”
• “Just getting out of the house for a few hours and doing something
worthwhile makes you feel as if you are contributing something and
feeling better at the same time”
• “GPs now prescribe Green Gym”
• “Green Gyms also enhance mental wellbeing through increased
contact with nature, the social benefits of group activity and helping
people contribute something positive to their community.”
• “Unlike many conventional gyms, taking part in a Green Gym® is free
and a great social activity too, allowing you to meet new people”