My name is Amy Clarke. I have a learning disability and I work at Mencap.

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week and I wanted to talk about something that can sometimes upset me - Sometimes people think Mencap is a mental health charity. 

I understand why people get confused. But learning disability and mental health are different things.

Many years ago, people used words like “mentally handicapped” to talk about learning disability. These words are now outdated and can be hurtful.

The name “Mencap” came from those old words. Even though the name stayed the same, Mencap has always supported people with a learning disability.

Because of this, some people think Mencap helps with mental illness or mental health problems.

But that is not right - Mencap is a learning disability charity. 

Five people grouped together, standing outside with an autumn tree in the background

Mencap helps people with a learning disability to:

  • get support
  • have equal rights
  • find jobs
  • live more independently
  • be included in society
  • speak up and be heard 

Mental health is different.

Mental health is about how people feel emotionally. Conditions like anxiety and depression are mental health problems.

Some people with a learning disability can also have mental health problems, but they are not the same thing.

A learning disability affects how someone learns, understands information, and communicates. 

Sometimes people talk to me like I cannot understand anything. Really, I just need things explained clearly and simply. That does not mean I cannot make my own choices or live my own life.

Having a learning disability does not make someone “crazy.” People with a learning disability have opinions, goals, hobbies, and dreams like everyone else.

That is why Mencap is important to me. They help people understand learning disability better and help make sure people are treated fairly. 

I do not think most people are trying to be hurtful when they get this wrong. I think many people just do not know the difference yet.

That is why it is important to talk about it. 

Amy has shoulder length brown hair and glasses. She is smiling at the camera nd wearing a black t shirt and green scarf.

When people understand learning disability better, people like me, can feel respected, included, and understood.

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Learning Disability and Mental Health


Though learning disability and mental health are different, people with a learning disability can still live with mental health conditions.
 

Learn more here