Style has no stereotype
Style has no stereotype
A stereotype is a fixed idea about a person, group or thing.
The fixed idea is wrong and is not true.
The Style has no stereotype campaign A campaign is when people work together to try to change something. wants to show that everyone is different.
Everyone can wear the clothes they like and look good in them.
One of our Mencap
Myth
A myth is an idea about something that is not true.
Busters, Michael Beynon, is helping us to show that there should not be a stereotype about the clothes 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.
like to wear, or what they can do!
About Michael
Michael bakes and runs his own business called Coalpit Welsh Cakes.
Michael is also an athlete. He was the first man in Wales with
Down syndrome
Down syndrome, also known as Down's syndrome, is a type of disability. People with Down syndrome may find it hard to learn new things and may need support. They may have more problems with their health too.
to run a marathon.
Michael likes tweed jackets, Poirot and pasta. Poirot is the name of a detective in books by Agatha Christie.
Michael does not like getting dirty, mess or chips.
People are not the stereotypes other people have about them
Michael has Down syndrome and a learning disability.
Sometimes people think that Michael can not do things because he has Down syndrome and a learning disability.
They do not ask him if he can do them.
Sometimes people think that people with a learning disability can not work for themselves.
They are wrong because Michael has his own business.
Michael and Mencap Menswear
October is Down syndrome awareness month.
Michael is helping us to show that everyone with Down syndrome or a learning disability is different.
Michael is helping us to show that everyone has their own style.
You can look for clothes which are your style in our shops.
Our shops all have different clothes in them because they are clothes that people have given to the shop.
You never know what you will find!
You can find your local Mencap shop or you can shop online at Mencap's eBay shop.
Every time you buy something from one of our Mencap shops, it helps us to support people with a learning disability.
We will be sharing more information about Michael on Mencap's social media during October. You can find out about:
- the clothes that Michael thinks are good to wear this autumn
- ideas about what to buy from charity shops
- times when Michael has shown people what he can do.
Help us to celebrate Down syndrome awareness month and celebrate people with a learning disability who all have their own style.
Follow Mencap Retail on Instagram @mencapshops.
Follow Mencap Retail on TikTok @mencapshops.
First published 19/10/2026
Last updated 19/10/2026