A shocking report has revealed what life is like for some people with learning difficulties in Cumbria.

Complaints have come in of people being shouted at by staff, living with someone with a “violent temper” and having received verbal abuse in the street.

But the main complaint for many is a lack of choice, control or support in their lives, according to the new report by Healthwatch Cumbria, which champions the views of patients.

Family members and service providers have also warned that services in the county are now “painfully inadequate” with less activities and less one-to-one support for people.

A combination of funding cuts and staff quitting the sector are all playing a part in the problem.

Healthwatch Cumbria surveyed more than 700 people, including people with learning difficulties, their families and service providers.

Its findings were revealed in a 60-page report as part of a fresh drive to improve things.

Healthwatch Cumbria said an estimated 9,500 people in the county have a recorded learning disability - a lifelong inability to understand things or cope on their own – varying from mild, moderate to severe.

Some complained they had only seen their social worker “twice in the last two years” while another had three different social workers over a short space of time.

A third of those surveyed wanted better support, access to training and help finding a job.

A quarter said they did not feel any choice or independence over their lives, from money to their home life.

Health workers, such as doctors, nurses and dentists, have also been urged to improve their communication when dealing with people with learning difficulties.

When asked about health services, the most popular response when was: “It is hard for me to understand what they say.”

The survey found, however, that 60 percent are positive about their contact with the health service.

In terms of job opportunities, employers are said to be “fearful” of hiring someone with a learning difficulty, while access and availability to public transport is also holding people back.

David Blacklock, chief executive officer of Healthwatch Cumbria, said: “Healthwatch Cumbria recommends that the report’s findings should be used as a platform for change to shape conversations about service improvements for the future.

“This is a real opportunity to enhance the quality of life for service users and their families and carers, allowing them to enjoy more fulfilled lives.”

County councillor Peter Thornton is the portfolio holder for health and care services in Cumbria.

He said: “This report is a great reminder that there is still much we can do to ensure that people with a learning disability are treated as real citizens of Cumbria and given every opportunity to take part in all the activities that this involves.”

The findings of the report will now be fed into the work of the county’s learning disability and autism partnership board.