Mencap's family support programmes
We want the UK to be the best place for 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.
to live happy and healthy lives.
This means starting early, making sure families of young children with a learning disability get critical and comprehensive support, along with their loved ones.
Families are impacted in so many ways: Many are left to come to terms with their child’s needs and differences alone. There is often a long wait for a diagnosis, and limited access to specialist services.
The difference Mencap is making: We’re helping to support families through the emotional and practical challenges of raising children with a learning disability. We’re doing this by creating local communities of parents who can support one another, take part in activities, find the information and advice they need, and work together to get local services improved.
50 years of Mencap family support in Northern Ireland
Our support has included workshops, sessions, family play days, information fairs and online groups.
If you make a donation to our Christmas
appeal
To appeal means saying you want someone to think about a decision again.
we could provide more families with essential peer support, helping them manage the emotional and practical challenges of raising a child with a learning disability.
Supporting families in the London Borough of Newham
Just like in Belfast, Mencap is busy building a family support network in Newham, London, led by parents of children with a learning disability. Families, largely from the local Muslim
community
A community is the people and places in an area.
, are supporting each other, reducing feelings of stigma and isolation.
Newham has many deprived areas
We often support families in very difficult conditions. Mencap’s eight Family Connectors speak Arabic, Bengali and Urdu, and each has lived
experience
Experience is when you have learned or tried something before.
of having children with additional needs themselves. Our team works closely with the community of parents and caregivers, the Local Authority and wider special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) service providers.
"Our doors are always open, and families can return whenever they need us.” - Ieva Jupe, Family Engagement Partner
Mencap Family Connectors
"Mencap Family Connectors have been my rock from day one. They listened and understood exactly what I was going through and provided emotional support.” - Single parent of two children with
autism
Autism is a disability. Autistic people find it difficult to understand what other people think and feel. They also find it difficult to tell people what they think and feel. Everyone with autism is different.
.
"Before I couldn’t talk with confidence. With my child’s situation I only cried, so if I didn’t get help from the Mencap group I don’t know what would have helped me.” - Mother of three children, including a young son with a learning disability.
How you can help Mencap support families
Your donation to our Christmas Appeal could help us deliver activities for families, helping them alleviate stress and focus on their wellbeing
Supporting families on the island of Anglesey
Our Anglesey programme is a joint venture with the Local Authority, supporting children with a learning disability up to the age of seven, and their families. Highlights include:
- setting up a sensory toy and equipment library to support early years development
- offering a range of play sessions, a safe space for children to interact while helping parents connect, share experiences and support each other
- running a Summer School, reducing the loneliness parents often feel during the holiday period.
Helping across all aspects of life
Our practical support gives families access to services and information across neuro development, speech and language, wider healthcare, education and more.
"I think this summer is the first summer where I haven’t felt lonely and abandoned.” - Member of Mencap’s family support programme.
What people say about our supported families programmes
"We are creating inclusive spaces where families feel supported and connected.” - Shelley Lewis, Mencap Family Support Coordinator.
"Mencap has been the light we needed during the ongoing process of helping our child shine.” - Member of Mencap’s family support programme.
Let's bring families together
Your donation to our Christmas Appeal could help provide training for parents, giving them the tools and confidence to support and connect with other families in similar situations.