Eating Well Guide for People with Learning Disabilities

Comprehensive, evidence-based and practical resource to help improve nutrition in a vulnerable population

The Caroline Walker Trust (CWT) is delighted to announce that its brand-new edition of the Eating Well Guide for People with Learning Disabilities (EWLD) is now available, 18 years after its original publication. This comprehensive, evidence-based, and practical resource, aimed at anyone supporting individuals with learning difficulties, will help improve their nutrition and enhance the quality of their care.

Approximately 2% of the UK, 1.5 million people, have a learning disability, and their life expectancy is 20 years shorter than that of the general population. Avoidable deaths, including heart disease and cancers of the digestive tract, are nearly double the rate of the general population. Supporting better diets for this vulnerable population could make a real difference to these statistics.

The first edition of EWLD was published in 2007 and has remained unrivalled by other publications. Since then, numerous changes have taken place in how people with learning disabilities are supported, including improved nutrition advice and greater recognition of their individual needs and rights to lead fulfilling, healthy lives. The EWLD continues CWT’s commitment to supporting those who care for vulnerable individuals.

This brand-new edition, edited by Carly Atkinson, an NHS Specialist Learning Disabilities Dietitian who understands first-hand the challenges faced by carers and other health professionals, considers new challenges and approaches that have emerged and ensures it reflects both current research and practical experience. These include: food choices, advice on supplements, oral health, and meal planning, and new information on restrictive eating, creating supportive mealtime environments, understanding eating behaviours, age-appropriate meal ideas and encouraging healthier habits. It also addresses a range of nutritional needs, from diverse diets and swallowing difficulties to weight management and common health conditions, providing practical advice that caregivers and healthcare professionals can apply daily.

The EWLD is now available for purchase on Amazon at an RRP of £35 via the following link: https://bit.ly/4pz9y4J . The EWLD is suitable for anyone supporting people with learning difficulties, including nutrition and other healthcare professionals, learning disabilities organisations, care homes, residential homes, caterers and family members and friends. The guide has been designed to support those with or without formal nutrition training.

Commenting on the publication of the EWLD, Kathy Lewis, Chair of the Board of Trustees, CWT, said, “The Caroline Walker Trust is proud to launch these updated guidelines, which continue our longstanding commitment to improving the quality of food and nutrition for everyone. People with learning disabilities often face additional barriers to eating well, and this resource provides clear, practical advice for carers, support staff, and catering teams to help overcome those challenges. We hope these guidelines inspire professionals to create inclusive, nourishing food environments that truly support health and dignity for all.”

The Trust would like to thank all those who supported the timely publication of this guide, and is hugely grateful to members of the various working groups who contributed to its revision. CWT would also like to thank Anton Jurgen Charitable Trust for funding that enabled the EWLD to be updated.

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Contact:
Kathy Lewis,
Chair of the Board of Trustees,
[email protected]
07961 317621

Editors Notes

• The Caroline Walker Trust was founded in 1989 after the death of the distinguished nutritionist, writer and campaigner Caroline Walker. Guided by her commitment to continue her work, the CWT works tirelessly to improve public health through good food. CWT’s work is particularly focused on vulnerable groups and individuals with special dietary needs.
• Review copies are available and can be ordered from [email protected]
• Bulk orders have a 20% discount when ordered from [email protected]
• Amazon link for a paper copy is https://bit.ly/4pz9y4J
  • RRP is £35 for a paper copy
• Amazon link for a hard copy is https://bit.ly/4qfBDhv
  • • RRP is £55 for a hardcover copy