Mencap

Bryony from the Voices Council shares why PIP is important 📣   The UK Government wants to make changes to the benefit system, but those changes haven't happened yet. We’re speaking to them to make sure that people with a learning disability are listened to.   We know people are worried about what the changes might mean for them. If you need more info or support, https://lnkd.in/eVVaDRG5   Share your story in the comments below 👇 Video description: Bryony stands outside wearing a fluffy cardigan, she looks towards the camera as she speaks about why PIP is important for people with a learning disability and what changes the government might make to benefits. There are clips of her walking around outside.

This #DisabledAccessDay, we're sharing 3 easy tips that you can do to make life more accessible for people with a learning disability. Find out more about what an easy read is: https://brnw.ch/21wRmmX Image description 1: A purple background with pink flower icons. The white and pink text reads "3 Top tips to be more accessible" Image description 2: A purple background with pink flower icons. The white and pink text reads "1 Space. In public spaces, whether you’re in a store, on public transport, or in a park, be aware of how accessible the space is. If it’s crowded, give extra space to someone who might need it. Or, offer help if you see someone looking uncertain about directions." Image description 3: A purple background with pink flower icons. The white and pink text reads "2 Social Media, Make your content more accessible by adding alt text to images. Alt text describes the image for people who use screen readers. Add captions to videos, so that everyone can follow along." Image description 4: A purple background with pink flower icons. The white and pink text reads "3 Easy Reads, where possible, share easy read resources. Whether it’s about the doctors, recipes, or how to communicate well with someone with a learning disability, we have lots of Easy read resources on our website. Easy reads use simple language, clear pictures, or adding symbols."

🧦🌈 How do you raise money from taking part in Rock your Socks on 21st March in 3 easy steps? 1.) Ask your work colleagues to sponsor you to wear your crazy, multicoloured, spotty, stripy socks. Just a £5 donation could help pay for careers advice for someone with a learning disability. 2) Host a sock swap shop. For a donation swap your socks with friends and family. 3) Lucky sock dip. Put treats in a sock and for a donation, pick one out. Now you know what to do, it’s time to sign up! Once signed up, you’ll be sent a digital fundraising pack which has everything you need to get started. You’re fundraising page will automatically get set up which you can send to work colleagues to get your first donation https://lnkd.in/efSHvpQs Thank you. Every penny raised from your Rock your Socks helps us to make the UK the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives. Video description: Clips of people wearing multi-coloured socks and dancing in the houses and at a bowling alley.

Want to take on one of the World Marathon Majors in 2025? There’s still time to secure your spot in the iconic Chicago Marathon this October 🏃♀️ With a fast and flat course, you’ll be flying through the windy city, all whilst raising money to support people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives. Don’t miss out on one of the last spots. Sign up now and join us for an unforgettable race experience https://brnw.ch/21wRlCD #ChicagoMarathon #WorldMarathonMajors Image description: A photo of a person in a Mencap branded sleeveless top, running in a race. There is white text on the pink border that reads "Chicago Marathon 2025. Sunday 12 October 2025".

The UK Government wants to make changes to the benefit system, but nothing will change until 2026. We’re speaking to them to make sure that people with a learning disability are listened to, and will be posting more about the changes next week. 👉 If you need more information or support about what's happening with benefits, read more here https://brnw.ch/21wRl08 We have heard from a lot of people contacting our helpline, who feel worried about the talk around benefits, so we have put together a list of helpful resources to support you in times of need. If it doesn't require the police or an ambulance, there are services and agencies that can offer support. You can also contact your GP for guidance and support. Search for a GP near you to get the help you deserve. Or you can contact an out of hours service, by calling 111. Image description 1: A pink graphic with a cream telephone icon. The white text reads "Who to turn to for help and support in a crisis for mental health." Image description 2: A pink graphic with a cream telephone icon. The white text reads "Samaritans, offers a free space for advice and support for anyone in distress. They won’t tell you what to do or how to feel. Call: 116 123" Image description 3: A pink graphic with a cream telephone icon. The white text reads "Shout. Suicide Prevention Charity. Text SHOUT to 85258" Image description 4: A pink graphic with a cream telephone icon. The white text reads "Hub of Hope. Hub of Hope have a searchable database, just put your postcode in and you can find crisis support local to your area. https://brnw.ch/21wRl0a" Image description 5: A pink graphic with a cream telephone icon. The white text reads "Mind. Provides advice and support to anyone experiencing a mental health problem. Call: 0300 102 1234"

Thank you Lilian Greenwood for visiting Mencap’s Me Time services in Nottingham today. Such a lovely day to see the garden - one of many amazing activities we get up to!

🚨 The latest NHS data shows there are 2,065 people with a learning disability and/or autism in mental health hospitals. Too many people are there because of a lack of the right community support, including social care and suitable housing. We're calling for an end to inappropriate detention and for people to get the right care in their communities. 💬 Mencap Dan Scorer shared that "Hundreds of people are still detained who should have been freed and should be supported in the community, because we haven't seen the progress that was promised." 👉 It’s time for change. Join us in campaigning for a better future. Sign up to become a Mencap campaigner, https://brnw.ch/21wRhzb #HomesNotHospitals #MentalHealthActReform The Challenging Behaviour Foundation NHS England Image description 1: A purple graphic with a cream icon of a padlock. The white text reads "The latest NHS data shows there are at least 2,065 people with a learning disability and/or autism locked away mental health hospitals." Image description 2: A purple graphic with a cream icon of a padlock. The white text reads "Within December 2024 8,040 reported uses of restraint in one month e.g. physical, chemical, mechanical restraint and being kept in isolation. Of these, 2,455 were against children (under 18s)." Image description 3: A purple graphic with a cream icon of a padlock. The white and purple text reads "Children in units. The number of children with a learning disability and/or autism in inpatient units is 200." Image description 4: A purple graphic with a cream icon of a padlock. The white and purple text reads "Shut away for too long. The average length of stay for people with a learning disability and/or autism who are currently in impatient units is 4.6 years" Image description 5: A purple graphic with a cream icon of a padlock. The white and purple text reads "Delayed discharge. 220 people were ‘clinically ready for discharge’ at the end of the month. Main reasons: lack of social care and lack of suitable housing in the community."

Ramadan is a special month for millions of Muslims worldwide, where fasting from dawn until sunset is just one part of the journey. Mencap Supported Internship Programme Manager, Hiba shares what Ramadan means to her. 💬 Hiba said, "As a Muslim, during the month of Ramadan I observe fasting, prayer and giving to charity and it is meant to be a time to teach empathy and compassion” Hiba adds, "I aim to do other good deeds such as reaching out to elderly neighbours for a chat, cooking food for donating to care homes and donating to food banks." Want to know more about Ramadan? Check out our blog https://brnw.ch/21wRftj 📖 #RamadanMubarak #Ramadan Image description: A photo of Hiba, she is smiling towards the camera and wears a dark blue Hijab and a light blue denim top. There is a pink text box, with white text in that reads "Ramadan is a time for self reflection, spiritual growth and acts of charity. It helps me to become a more resilient and patient person."

🎉 A huge thank you to everyone at iBC Healthcare for their incredible support through the badminton matches that started back in September 2024 The energy, sportsmanship, and community spirit were truly inspiring, and it all led to a thrilling final in January 2025 where Team West Midlands, led by Prashan and Asiri, emerged victorious! 🏆 Thanks to their efforts, iBC Healthcare has raised an amazing £1,500 for Mencap. This generous donation will help us continue to campaign for people with a learning disability to access the vital social care they need. A massive shoutout to all participants, colleagues, and supporters who cheered, donated, and made this possible. Your contributions will make a real difference. If your company wants to join us in making a lasting impact, find out more here https://brnw.ch/21wRcMk #IBCHealthcare Image description 1: A group image of 5 people smiling towards the camera, all holding a gold trophy together. They are dressed in their gym clothes. The white text reads 'A big thank you to everyone at IBC Healthcare who recently supported Mencap through their badminton matches.' Image description 2: A photo of two women holding up a money cheque, as they smile towards the camera. The white text reads 'Through IBC Healthcare's support they raised an amazing £1,500 for Mencap. The money raised will help people with a learning disability live happy and healthy lives.'

Mencap Chief Executive Jon Sparkes OBE spoke on ITV Tyne Tees last night about healthcare for people with a learning disability. Annabel who is supported by Mencap shared her story about how she feels her learning disability played a part in being diagnosed late with cancer. 'People with a learning disability have the right to have their health taken seriously'. Watch here https://brnw.ch/21wRc0J Video description: Jon stands outside on a sunny day. He is wearing a lilac shirt and black coat.