By Mencap
Me Time is one of Mencap’s community A community is the people and places in an area. day opportunity programmes, offering people with a learning disability A learning disability is to do with the way someone's brain works. It makes it harder for someone to learn, understand or do things. a space to build confidence, make friends, and explore their interests. Across London, Me Time groups meet weekly to take part in activities chosen and shaped by the people who attend them, from art and music to fitness, cooking, and trips out in the community.
At the heart of Me Time is a simple idea: people with a learning disability should have the freedom and support to lead rich, creative, connected lives. The groups are co-produced, meaning members decide what they want to do, and everyone contributes to the atmosphere of welcome, fun, and mutual support.
One of the most vibrant examples of this is the Me Time Art Club.
The Me Time Art Club: A space to create and belong
The Art Club meets once a week and brings together a diverse group of people with and without a learning disability. It’s a place where creativity is encouraged, ideas are shared, and everyone is free to experiment.
Jonathan, who runs the group, describes it as: “It is a co-produced club. The members decide what we do and we meet once a week.”
Sessions range from drawing and painting to visiting exhibitions, trying new materials, and exploring different artistic styles. But what makes the group special is the sense of community that forms around the table, people learning from each other, supporting each other, and celebrating each other’s work.
I love it… I enjoy being around them and making art together. I really look forward to it. It is such a good way to end the week.
Creativity that travels: Me Time and Rock Your Socks
This year, members of the Me Time community took part in Mencap’s Rock Your Socks activity, an invitation to design a pair of socks inspired by Mencap’s values Values are the things that are important to you. Mencap's values are being passionate, inclusive, brave, positive, and kind. .
Three designs were selected as winners, including two created by people connected to Me Time and the socks were produced by Sock Snob.
Marina: Volunteer, Me Time Art Club
Her design grew directly from the playful, colourful experiments she enjoys during Art Club sessions. “I was inspired to play with highlighters, and I enjoyed making layered illusions with the colours at art club.”
When the finished socks were presented to the group, they were met with enthusiasm: “They are super comfy socks.” “I would wear them on holiday.” — Lee, Art Club, Me Time Islington
William: Lived Experience Advisor
William’s design carried a bold message: embrace the ability. “I want disabled people to show what they can do, not what they cannot do. I use my personal experiences to guide Mencap on their work, making sure that their projects and communications reflect the needs and voices of people with a learning disability.”
His work reflects the same values that underpin Me Time, visibility, pride, and the importance of people with a learning disability shaping the world around them.
Why Me Time matters
Day opportunities like Me Time give people with a learning disability the chance to:
- build confidence through new experiences
- make friends and feel part of a community
- explore interests in a supportive environment
- express themselves creatively
- shape the activities they take part in.
The success of the Rock Your Socks designs is just one example of how Me Time helps people grow and shine. The real story is the everyday joy, connection, and creativity that happens in these groups, week after week, year after year.