SPECIAL ‘Citizens Panels’ are being created in the Borders to allow those with a learning disability and their carers to have more of a say in the way services are planned and delivered locally.
The initiative has been launched by NHS Borders and the council, and a series of information sessions are planned throughout the region for September.
The panels, which will work in partnership with the Scottish Borders Learning Disability Service, will give people the opportunity to take part in consultations about services and changes such as welfare reforms, and put forward their own ideas about services.
Linda Clark is looking forward to joining the Berwickshire Local Citizens Panel.
She said: “I think the panels are a great idea. Being a member means I can find out about what’s going on, express my views on important changes that affect me, such as self-directed support, and focus on local issues that can help improve the daily lives of people who have a learning disability.”
Councillor Frances Renton, executive member for social work said: “This is an exciting development for the service which we hope will provide an important opportunity for us to work collaboratively with people and their families.”