Mencap comments on Channel 4 series The Undateables

Monday 26 March 2012

"We welcome any programme that tackles a crucial issue for people with a disability - their equal right to personal relationships - in a positive, informed way. It is an area we know that disabled people feel very strongly about.

However, the packaging and representation of the programme by Channel 4 could be seen to do more harm than good by once again portraying people with a disability in an unflattering way, when many already feel excluded from mainstream society. 

People with disabilities are under-represented in the media and public life, and a more constructive approach might be to see Channel 4 including people with a disability - for example, presenters and actors - in mainstream programming, rather than reinforcing stereotypes through sensationalist marketing."

For more information please contact Pasca Lane on 0207 696 6017 or email pasca.lane@mencap.org.uk

Notes to editors

• About Mencap

There are 1.5 million people with a learning disability in the UK. Mencap works to support people with a learning disability and their families and carers by fighting to change laws and improve services and access to education, employment and leisure facilities. Mencap supports thousands of people with a learning disability to live their lives the way they want.

We are also one of the largest providers of services, information and advice for people with a learning disability across England, Northern Ireland and Wales. People with a learning disability and their carers can find out more about our services by calling Mencap Direct on 0300 333 111 or by visiting www.mencap.org.uk

• What is a learning disability?

A learning disability is a reduced intellectual ability and difficulty with everyday activities – for example household tasks, socialising or managing money – which affects someone for their whole life.

People with a learning disability tend to take longer to learn and may need support to develop new skills, understand complex information and interact with other people.

The level of support someone needs depends on individual factors, including the severity of their learning disability.