James Ridley
Nurse consultant
Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust
James Ridley is a registered learning disability nurse who has worked in services for people with learning disabilities for more than 30 years. His interests have mainly centred on working with those who have complex needs. Recognising that the needs and life experiences of people with a learning disability were beginning to change, since 2008 he has been particularly interested in the impact of the transition into later life for people with a learning disability and what it means to them. He is a clinical doctorate student at the University of Stirling and his research looks at how services for people with a learning disability respond to dementia in those without Down’s syndrome.
In his role as nurse consultant with Greater Manchester Mental Health Trust, Mr Ridley is focused on the reduction of restrictive practices. He feels that being able to understand the changes that occur as people transition through life supports a holistic approach and is important when working with individuals, especially where these changes may present as distress.
James Ridley is speaking at the following session on Thursday 24 October:
Looking to the future: ageing with a learning disability