Campaign locally

Campaigning locally is a powerful way to stand up for the issues you care about, whether that’s cuts to services, better health care for people with a learning disability, or an issue specific to you.

Members of our team cover the North, Central, South and London regions. We can give advice and training, link you up with others, and help get your campaign off the ground. Get in touch!

 

Stephen John, Community Activist Lead

I started at Mencap in 2009 as a community development officer. In 2022 I moved into the role of Community activism lead after 9 years in the Campaigns team with 6 of those years as campaign manager. I lead the Community Activism Coaches who work with local people to create positive change. I have worked with people with a disability for 25 years and cannot see myself ever not wanting to empower people to campaign and be activists. My wonderful family are most important to me, but I also have a massive passion for rugby (I am Welsh after all!) and for fly fishing. I live in a sleepy country village in Yorkshire and love life away from the hustle and bustle - I used to live in NY! 

Get in touch with Stephen by:

• emailing stephen.john@mencap.org.uk
• phoning 07957 714 560
• searching Twitter for @northerndragon

 

North – Laura Bruce, Community Activism Coach

 

 

 

 

I joined Mencap in 2017 and I am excited to have recently joined the campaigns team, managing the central region for my lovely colleague Bindy whilst she is on maternity leave. I am passionate about making positive changes for people with a learning disability and ensuring that their voices are heard. Outside of work I love spending time with my small family and friends. I also enjoy keeping fit and baking – having to do both to balance it out.  

Get in touch with Laura by: 

• Emailing Laura.bruce@mencap.org.uk 
• phoning 07929796371 
• searching Twitter for @L_J_Bruce 

Counties covered in the North region

The counties covered in the North region are:

• Cheshire
• Cumbria
• Derbyshire
• Durham
• East Riding of Yorkshire
• Greater Manchester
• Lancashire
• Merseyside
• North Yorkshire
• Northumberland  
• South Yorkshire
• Tyne and Wear
• West Yorkshire.

 

Central - Bindya Mistry, Community Activism Coach

I joined the Campaigns Team in October 2016 but I have been working for Mencap since 2005 in advocacy. I have a passion for making positive changes for people with learning disabilities by encouraging individuals to speak up for themselves. Outside of work I like to spend time with my family and friends, bake, go hiking and travel.

Get in touch with Bindya by:

• emailing Bindya.Mistry@mencap.org.uk
• phoning 07960 453 592
• searching Twitter for @BindyaCampaigns.

Counties covered in the Central England

The counties covered in the Central England are:

• Bristol
• Cambridgeshire
• Gloucestershire
• Herefordshire
• Leicestershire
• Norfolk
• Northamptonshire
• North Somerset
• Nottinghamshire
• Rutland
• Shropshire
• Staffordshire
• Suffolk
• Swindon
• Warwickshire
• West Midlands
• Worcestershire.

South - Michael Le Surf, Community Activism Coach

I have 30 years experience of working with people with a learning disability with a background in campaigning, advocacy and support. I have been working at Mencap since 2010, originally as the Changing Places Development Officer supporting the campaign for Changing Places toilets across the UK. Since 2016 I have worked in the campaigns team as a campaigner and activist covering the south of England. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, going to the cinema and following the mighty Tottenham Hotspur Football Club. 

Get in touch with Michel by:

• emailing michael.lesurf@mencap.org.uk
• phoning 07970 858323
• searching on Twitter for @MikeLeSurf.

Counties covered in the South region

The counties covered in the South region are:

• Bedfordshire
• Berkshire
• Buckinghamshire
• Channel Islands
• Cornwall
• Devon
• Dorset
• East Sussex
• Essex
• Hampshire
• Hertfordshire
• Isle of Wight
• Kent
• Oxfordshire
• Somerset (excluding North Somerset)
• Surrey
• West Sussex
• Wiltshire (excluding Swindon).

London - Victoria Wright, Community Activism Coach

I joined Mencap's campaigns team in January 2018. I enjoy working for Mencap because I'm passionate about making a positive difference for people with a learning disability. I'm a disabled woman myself and love working in such a positive and inclusive team. I'm proud to be disabled and I love to help people learn about their rights and campaign for change. I live in London and enjoy spending time with my daughter and going to the theatre and cinema.

Get in touch with Victoria by:

• emailing Victoria.wright@mencap.org.uk
• phoning 020 7696 5605
• searching Twitter for @VictoriaMWright.