For almost 20 years, Sara has been a valued member of the team at Mencap Cymru. Her journey began with funding from the National Lottery, which helped her start her first role, and build a career based on the
advocacy
Advocacy is when you get support to have your say.
and engagement of 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.
.
“I have been
involved
Involved is being included in something or taking part in something.
in campaigning work for people with a learning disability for the whole time since leaving college. I have worked for Mencap Cymru, the leading
organisation
An organisation are a group of people who work together.
supporting people with a learning disability in Wales, for almost 20 years”.
In 2006, Sara became a team member at Mencap Cymru through a National Lottery-funded project, which was the start of her journey in political engagement. This funding not only helped Sara, but also supported other important initiatives aimed at empowering people with learning disabilities.
As her early projects flourished, Sara’s role grew, and she was offered a permanent position as Engagement Connector, reflecting Mencap’s appreciation for her dedication and the difference she was making.
Her work involves face-to-face engagements and advocating for improved support systems across country.
As Mencap’s Engagement Officer, Sara loves bringing people together. She has traveled across the UK to meet people with learning disabilities, building
relationships
Relationships are about the people in your life. You might have different types of relationships like friendships, family relationships, or a boyfriend or girlfriend.
and leading discussions to help shape inclusive policies and services. Her work on projects like “Partners in Politics,” funded by the National Lottery, shows how important it is to create projects with people who have a learning disability at the heart. Sara believes engagement is more than just sharing information—it’s about making sure everyone feels valued and included.
“I have been lucky enough to have been able to ‘have my voice heard’ in other important places too including at the House of Commons, the European
Parliament
Parliament is a group of people who make laws and check what
the government
The Government are the people who run the country. The Government decide how much
tax
Tax is the money that pays for things like schools, hospitals and the police. There are different types of taxes like
income tax
Income tax is the money that is taken out of the money you earn every month. It helps to pay for things we all need like hospitals and schools.
,
VAT
VAT is also called Value Added Tax. VAT is the extra money you pay when you buy things. The money goes to the government to pay for things like schools and hospitals.
and
council tax
Council Tax is the money that people pay to the council. It helps to pay for things like social care (support for people), parks and dustbin collection.
.
people should pay and how things like the National Health Service (NHS) should work.
is doing.
in Brussels where we were campaigning to stop violence against women with disabilities and more opportunities for those with learning disabilities to have the chance to
vote
People vote in an
election
An election is when people choose who should be in charge of something. This could be in charge of a group, an area, or the country. People choose by voting. The person with the most votes wins.
. In elections for
councillors
Councillors are the people who work for the council. They make important decisions about the area where you live.
or MPs, you vote by putting a cross next to the name of the person you want to choose. In less formal elections, like in a small group, you might vote by putting your hand up. The person with the most votes wins.
and be involved in politics…and perhaps the most exciting of all – speaking at the United Nations Headquarters in New York for the DSA about health issues and finding out, afterwards, that it was being broadcast live around the world!!”
Sara’s story shows how important support and funding are for creating inclusive job opportunities. Her almost 20-year career is a great example of Mencap’s mission to make the UK the best place for people with a learning disability. The National Lottery’s investment has sparked real change, helping Sara build a career that inspires others and supports a more inclusive society.
I do feel passionate about promoting
equality
Equality is when everyone is treated fairly.
in all I do. At an ‘Inclusion Europe’
conference
A conference is a meeting that lots of people are invited to.
I attended, a new phrase was ‘born’ which I think is very powerful. It was ‘If you dare to speak up, inclusion happens’. Together with my own motto ‘Down’s Syndrome….so what!’ I live my life believing that anything is possible.