Mencap

We want the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to lead happy and healthy lives. We will continue to campaign for equal rights and opportunities for people with a learning disability. 📣 You can make a difference by becoming a local activist today: https://lnkd.in/egykAbki

Oliver has been offered a paid job with Greene King! 👏 As we now approach the end of this academic year, we're starting to see more amazing achievements across our supported internship programmes. Oliver did so well at his Greene King placement that within just 4 weeks, they offered him a job. Congratulations Oliver! 💜

Kirsty is one of a team of gardeners who get busy with our Me Time service in Nottingham. 🌱 They grow things like lettuce, beetroot, potatoes, blackcurrants, and mint. 💬 Kirsty said: “I love planting and growing stuff. It’s good because you get to eat it after! You’ve got to wait a little while, but it’s worth the wait, and I eat healthier now.” Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eNSt6-Mx

People with a learning disability tell us that they are struggling to afford their essentials. Through our partnership with the British Gas Energy Trust, Supporting Communities at Risk Programme, we have been able to respond to the increasingly complex Money and Energy advice enquiries that people with a learning disability, and their families are contacting us about, often at crisis point.

Our Barnet supported employment service, that works with people with a learning disability, has continued to support people to make some incredible achievements in recent months. In 2024 so far, they have supported 19 people into work including Maansi who landed a job working at the BBC through Mitie and Sacha who secured a role as a cleaner at The Shard, also with Mitie. Ahmad’s hard work and perseverance paid off when he secured a sales job at a dairy factory following his 9th interview. Congratulations everyone! 👏

This year, we have seen many of our learners on our supported internship programmes move from placements to paid jobs with Greene King. In Northampton, Ethan started his work placement at The Britannia pub having already worked in two other placements. We arranged for Ethan to complete a 6-week work trial, but within 3 weeks the kitchen staff were so impressed that they told us they would like to offer him a job! 👏

It was great to have our Chief Executive Jon Sparkes OBE play for the Mencap football team last night. This was a historic moment for Mencap and Jon even scored a goal on his debut! ⚽️

Millions of people across England are going without the support they need. Find out how your area has been affected and speak up for better care here: https://lnkd.in/ez4TRuvk

Government research estimates up to 80% of disabilities are invisible. A learning disability could be an example of an invisible disability as many people struggle to access the services and support they need. Our Community Support Group shared their experiences of living life with an invisible disability. 💬 "When I was on the phone someone accused me of being on drugs because of my speech." 💬 "I was asked to get up on a bus by a older person even when I had my sunflower lanyard. They just stared at me and I had to get up." 💬 "Sometimes on a train people can’t see my learning disability which makes it difficult for others and me." 💬 "Don't just judge what you see, but try to get to know people and understand their needs." Learn more about what a learning disability is on our website: https://brnw.ch/21wLClD

Our Education, Skills & Work newsletter is here! 📖 In this month's edition we're proud to highlight just some of the fantastic achievements of people on our programmes, our colleagues who support them and our employer partners. We're also delighted to announce we've chosen Wincanton as this month's 'Employer of the Month'. 📲 Subscribe today!