Abstract

• Friendships and leisure pursuits add to everyone’s quality of life yet many people with learning disabilities lead lonely and unfulfilled lives. • Our current models of support service may inhibit people from developing a rich social and leisure life.• A new type of relationship is required between paid staff and the people they support. One that actively promotes the social status of people with learning disabilities, creates opportunities for active participation in community activities and supports the development of social networks and friendships.• A primary aim of modern support services should be to link people into the network of community facilities and services in their locality rather than trying to meet their needs within specialist learning disability provision.