The service was manned by part time 'welfare visitors' as they were known then, until 1992. Funding was obtained to expand the service and it quickly became a full time post. The Blue Sky Appeal in 1996 focussed around the Family Advisory Service and after a long struggle we became one of only three pilot schemes, which lasted for three years. The service continues along the same lines giving advice and support, incorporating any changes in strategy and legislation. In 2003 we conducted an audit of services around parents with learning disabilities in West Berkshire, this research was funded by the European Year of the Disabled fund and was presented to the major stakeholders and decision makers here and out of county. We are striving to make it possible for these parents to have the support that is needed to keep their families together.

What is the Family Advisor Service? This service is a central part of the society. We provide support, advice and information to people with a learning disability, their families and carers and professional organizations.

• Clubs and groups in your area
• Somewhere to live
• Community care and carers assessments
• Getting your benefits
• Keeping fit and well
• Going to school or college
• Having a holiday or break and much more.

How the Family Advisory Service works
The initial contact is with the Family Advisor who is a paid member of staff and is responsible for co-ordinating the service. The Family Adviser will find the information necessary to deal with the enquiry. The answer may be straightforward but in most cases the enquirer will need a face-to-face meeting to establish the level of support needed and the course of action to take. The client will be supported directly by the Family Adviser. The help needed maybe for a short space of time; however we support many of our clients on a longer term basis depending on their needs.