New film shines light on groundbreaking project

PEOPLE with learning disabilities are taking on a leading role in a new film being launched nationwide by the NHS this week.

- By SUE KIRBY

The pioneering project, STOMP, is the first of its kind aimed at stopping the over-medication of people with a learning disability or autism across Durham and Teesside.

Work on filming the benefits of the award-winning STOMP scheme - which challenges “inappropriate or over-prescribing of antipsychotic medicine” - started earlier this year.

The three-part film, which has been co-created by patients, staff from Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust, pharmacists and Skills for People, was launched this week and will be made available across the NHS.

“I had a medication review that changed my life,” said Stockton patient Anne-Marie. “The help I got made me feel happier in myself and feel better about the future.”

Anne Marie, 36, spent years on medication that “made life dull and boring”.

Now life is far better for her - and she has taken a leading role in the film to help spread the word on STOMP.