We've signed up to STOMP

Public Health England estimates that there are between 30,000 and 35,000 adults with a learning disability in the UK taking psychotropic medications when they do not have the medical conditions the medicines are for. Psychotropic medication means medication which is capable of affecting the mind, emotions, and behaviour.

What is STOMP?

STOMP is a health campaign which aims to stop the overmedication of people with learning disabilities, autism, or both. Whilst the medicines are right for some people, there are often other ways of helping people so they need less or no medication, and have a better quality of life.

Earlier this year, Brandon signed up to the campaign. We have a dedicated group working on an action plan which will help us meet the aims of the campaign.

Phil's story

This is Phil, he lives in Cornwall with his cat, Whiskers. Phil moved from long-term institutional care to his home over 10 years ago and has been supported by Brandon ever since.

A year ago, we made a referral to the Adult Learning Disabilities (East) Community Team as Phil's behaviour had reached a peak. That's when the team introduced us to STOMP - a health campaign aimed at stopping the overuse of medication to manage people's behaviour.

Phil has had a very successful change in medication, but the community team also worked with Phil's support team, teaching them how to analyse Phil's behaviour through their 'watch', 'listen', 'learn', and 'act' charts. There's still a long way to go, but Phil is making great progress with the support of his brilliant team.

As a result of reducing medication, people close to Phil feel that life has opened up for him and he’s now able to try and enjoy new things, like sailing!

Further information

For more information, visit the NHS England website. It contains a wealth of information and practical resources to promote the STOMP campaign and help stop the overmedication of people with learning disabilities and autism.