For more information about using, or supporting any of BUILD’s services then please call us on 01603 618029 or e mail info@buildnorwich.org.uk
Listed below are some of the frequently asked questions we get asked. We try and update this regularly with new responses.

What is a learning difficulty? – Learning difficulties is the phrase that in the 1990’s replaced the phrase “mentally handicapped” and was chosen as a more appropriate and respectful term by people affected by what is a lifelong psychological condition leading to a disability that affects different people in different ways.

Some people with severe, or complex learning difficulties have significant difficulties in communicating verbally, have very limited reading and writing abilities, and often need high levels of health and social care.

Some people with learning difficulties show what are often described as “mild or moderate disabilities” which means that they might struggle with understanding complex information, such as timetables, or managing their own money, or relationships. This does not prevent them from living in either community based residential homes, or being supported in their own homes, having employment or responsible voluntary work.

BUILD works with all people with learning difficulties, but does not provide health or social care services, and for those people who need that, will normally make their own arrangements, around BUILD’s programmes.

Is BUILD a national organisation? – BUILD is based in Norfolk, and currently only provides services in this area, although its ambitions, particularly for the Research, Training and Consultancy Service is to work on a national stage.

How much do BUILD activities cost? – This really depends on what you want to do. We try to make sure that people who use our services pay the true cost, just as you do in any other walk of life at a social club, holiday or night out.  Our costs include the face value of things like admission prices at attractions, but also include the cost of support staff and volunteers, and the infrastructure behind providing the service – just like the price of a theatre ticket.

By keeping prices as close as possible to the face value of an admission ticket, we hope that people who are supported initially can gain the confidence to try activities again, independently – without there being a shock when they see the price.

As more people with learning difficulties move towards controlling their own personalised budgets for health and social care, the past subsidies provided by local authorities will reduce.

How do I volunteer with BUILD? – Get in touch with us and we will talk to you about what you are looking to gain from volunteering, how much time you want to commit and then find the right role for us all. The induction process will involve us carrying out a Criminal Records Bureau check, and taking up references to ensure that you are an appropriate person to be working with vulnerable adults or young people.  Once accepted we will take you through personalised induction training and then, during the first six months, some additional small group training to give you the skills and confidence to maximize your skills and contribution.