We write with regard to the recent call for evidence on the subject of the Human Rights of Adults with Learning Disabilities, and the invitation to send examples of good practice relating to ways in which adults with learning disabilities might be better included in both their communities and in society in general.

  We would like to draw the Committee's attention to the work of COAST (Citizenship Opportunities And Safety Training) and its successor COAST 2 COAST.

  Funded by HACT and The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, COAST was a three year inter-agency partnership project between Advance Housing and Support, The Streetwise Safety Centre (Bournemouth) and Bournemouth University. Focusing on the needs and rights of Adults with Learning Disabilities, it sought to promote greater social inclusion, active citizenship and to tackle risk, safety and harassment. Based in the Streetwise Centre (see www.streetwise.org.uk) COAST delivered units of learning that allowed participants to explore a range of issues that promoted active citizenship and addressed questions of risk, bullying and harassment. Learning focused on subjects such as safe and effective use of energy, fire safety, money management and keeping money safe, personal safety and reporting crimes, care for the environment and advice on DIY.

  COAST adopted some firm fundamental principles in undertaking its work. As our focus was social inclusion we rejected a traditional learning model of teacher and student, and instead invited everyday community-based services and organisations to deliver pieces of work. As such we worked with a host of public services, businesses and voluntary agencies who came face to face with adults with learning disabilities and heard from them about the challenges that affect their lives. This led to changes in practice within organisations and began to encourage these agencies to regard adults with learning disabilities as both customers, and as citizens with the same rights as all members of society. At the same time the participants saw these organisations as approachable and interested in their needs and wants.

  Throughout the three-year project we were able to witness change in the lives of many people with learning disabilities for the better. Specifically, we saw:

—  the greater use of leisure services such as cinemas, sports and music events;

—    more engagement with statutory agencies such as asking for information or;

—    complaining about poor service;

—  paid and unpaid employment and training opportunities;

—  greater confidence to articulate needs and participate in society; and

—  the desire to lead more independent lives, with some participants securing independent living opportunities.

  COAST's work, and a detailed report on our activities, can be accessed through the webpage www.coast-uk.org.

  Whilst we were able to improve the lives of many adults with learning disabilities, COAST was regionally specific to Dorset and parts of Hampshire. As COAST came to an end we were aware of the gap in services that sought to address citizenship rights for adults with learning disabilities, and the need to work with adults with learning disabilities to develop strategies to respond to safety, bullying and harassment.

  Having secured funding for a three year project from the Big Lottery Fund COAST 2 COAST was developed to meet this gap on the national stage. Our remit is to provide support, training and information to at least 500 adults with learning disabilities and at least 80 members of staff working with this service user group. COAST 2 COAST covers the greater part of the Midlands and South of England. Whilst we are still in our first year of operation we are currently working across Dorset, Worcestershire, Birmingham, Oxfordshire and Kent to develop a range of opportunities that will enhance the safety of adults with learning disabilities and their rights to participate in society as full citizens.

  COAST 2 COAST has a multi-agency advisory panel directing the work, including representatives from PAVA, Values into Action, Voice UK, Advance Housing and Support, Streetwise, Valuing People Support Team, Sunny ARTS. We are currently working with the Hate Crime lead from ACPO to ensure police participation. Although we know that our work will change the lives of those individuals who received education and training through us, and those with whom we work, and will equip participants with the confidence to respond to intimidation and harassment in a safe manner, as a panel we remain extremely concerned about the nature and level of hate crimes directed towards people with learning disabilities.

  The nature of these crimes is such that they present a daily hazard to many people and restrict their access to public transport, leisure services, employment opportunities and consumer rights.

  Whilst there is significant government attention towards this particular crime (we are currently working with the Valuing People Support Team on a project which explores hate crime and the activities being undertaken to combat such offences), we are concerned about the inconsistent manner in which such crimes are reported. At its most simplest we, as a society, do not have reliable statistics on recordable offences directed towards adults with learning difficulties. We are unable to identify the nature of hate crimes and therefore monitor the changes on an annual basis. If society wishes to address and enhance the human rights of adults with learning disabilities, then we believe that we must first understand the nature and range of incidences which impinge on human rights, and which demean people with learning disabilities as both individuals and as a community.

23 May 2007