The Met Office and UK Health Security Agency have announced a amber cold-health alert for the East of England. This alert is now in effect from 8PM on 31/12/2025 until 10AM on 06/01/2026.

Cold weather can affect anyone, and certain groups are particularly vulnerable. These include older people (aged 65 years and over), pregnant women, young children (particularly those aged 5 and under), and people with long term health conditions such as cardiovascular or respiratory disease, or a mental health condition.

For guidance on staying warm and well, visit our cold weather advice page.

Annual Health Checks for People with Learning Disabilities

Regular health checks help identify and manage health issues early. People with learning disabilities are encouraged to have annual health reviews to ensure they receive the right care and support for their individual needs.

Young man with Down syndrome with mentoring friend sitting outdoors in cafe celebrating success.

What is an Annual Learning Disability Health Check?

A Learning Disability (LD) health check is a free yearly NHS check-up for anyone aged 14 or over who is on their GP’s learning disability register.

These check-ups help find and treat health problems early. They are offered even when you’re feeling well, as preventing problems is better than treating them later.

Why are these health checks important?

People with learning disabilities often have poorer physical and mental health than others. This doesn’t need to be the case.

Regular health checks can:

  • Help you to get to know your doctor
  • Find health problems early
  • Talk about your health
  • Check your medicines are right for you
  • Learn how to stay healthy

What happens during the health check?

During your appointment, a doctor or nurse will:

  • Check your weight
  • Listen to your heart
  • Take your blood pressure
  • Sometimes ask for a urine sample
  • Sometimes take a blood test
  • Talk about staying healthy
  • Check for common health problems
  • Look at your medicines
  • Make sure your jabs are up to date
  • Ask how you are feeling

Making your appointment easier – reasonable adjustments

If you’re worried about seeing a doctor, let them know beforehand. The NHS can make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to help you. We can:

  • Use pictures to explain things
  • Give you more time
  • Let you bring someone with you
  • See you when the surgery is quiet

How to get a health check

  1. Ask your doctor to put you on their learning disability register
  2. Your doctor will invite you once a year
  3. You can say yes or no to having a health check
  4. You can bring someone with you

What is the Learning Disability Register?

If you have a learning disability, your doctor (also called a GP) should put you on the Learning Disability Register. 

Anyone of any age can be on this register. It includes:

  • Babies
  • Children
  • Young people
  • Adults

If you are on the register, you can get extra help from your doctor.

If you are not on the register, ask your doctor to add you.

The Mencap website has more information about the register. They have videos and easy read guides.

Remember, these health checks are your choice. You can always ask for more information before deciding. For more details or support visit the NHS.uk website.