Kit Harington
Watch Kit's video
My cousin Laurent is one of the 1.5 million 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.
in the UK.
Growing up with Laurent I know that people with a learning disability have the same hopes and dreams for their lives as all young people do.
However others are sometimes awkward and afraid when it comes to engaging with someone with a learning disability and that means they are often ignored and overlooked.
We need to change this and stop ignoring the talents and contributions that people with a learning disability can bring to our society. That's why I was really keen to work with Mencap - and Ciara and Lloyd, who both have a learning disability - to make this video which we hope will bring smiles to a few people's faces.
Usually when you hear about learning disability in the media it’s the horrific impact of
abuse
Abuse is when someone bullies you and does or says something to you that makes you feel hurt, upset or scared.
scandals or the effects of Government social care
cuts
Cuts are when there is less money to pay for things like clubs and support.
. That's important, but it's not everything - it's not how I think about learning disability, or how I feel when I'm hanging out with Laurent, who is an important, positive and really funny member of my family. The media has a role to reflect society and help give people with a learning disability a platform to be heard.
Let’s show my cousin Laurent and Lloyd and Ciara and thousands of others that their lives are valued just as much as anyone else in society.
Want to hold a tea party?
By organising a tea party and raising vital funds for Mencap, you'll also be kick starting a conversation about learning disability, isolation and how we can all help