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Spirituality and learning disability: a review of UK Government guidance
- Authors:
- SANGO Precious Nonye, FORRESTER-JONES Rachel
- Journal article citation:
- Tizard Learning Disability Review, 19(4), 2014, pp.170-177.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Despite spirituality being a key aspect of quality of life, it appears to remain a low-priority area for social and health care government policy. This review identifies and describes what UK policy says about spirituality in relation to the care of people with learning disabilities (LD). A systematic policy review using three websites: legislation.gov.uk; Department of Health and Directgov (now known as gov.uk) was carried out. A total of 43 policy documents relevant to care provision of people with learning disabilities were identified; only six of these mentioned spirituality, faith or religion in relation to people with LD. In these six documents, four themes are identified and described: human rights; discrimination and equality; inclusion (or participation in community and faith group activities) and need. The review identified policy gaps and a general lack of government directives in relation to the spiritual care of people with LD. Whilst research in this area is gathering momentum, practical implementation which makes a real difference to the spiritual experiences of people with LD appears to be sparse. (Edited publisher abstract)