Mencap's work in Parliament
Working in Parliament, and on making new laws, can be complex and confusing - but we want Parliament to be
accessible
Accessible means something is easy for people to use or join in with. For example: Accessible writing means the writing is easy to read and understand.
for everyone.
We have worked with the Parliamentary Outreach service A service gives people what they need, like healthcare services that help people when they are ill, and support services that give people support. , which raises awareness about the work that happens in Parliament, to produce Easy Read guides. They are here to help you understand about how Parliament works.
The Parliamentary outreach team also provide free training for people who want to help 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. understand more about Parliament.
House of Commons Easy Reads
Getting to know your MP
We want everyone to feel empowered to get in touch with their MP to talk about their campaigns and the changes they want to see. The You and your MP Easy Read guide has some information about MPs, what they do, and how you can get them involved Involved is being included in something or taking part in something. in your work or campaigns.
The All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG)
The APPG is a group of MPs (Members of Parliament) and Peers (Members of the House of Lords) who meet to talk about how to tackle the issues affecting people with a learning disability and their families.
Find out more about our work in Parliament
If you'd like to know more about Mencap’s work in Parliament get in touch with our Public Affairs & Parliamentary
Manager
A manager is a boss at work. They tell you what you need to do and give you support if you need it.
Matthew Harrison.
Matthew Harrison
UK Parliament is the main law-making body of the
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is also called the UK. It includes the countries of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
.
It is where elected politicians and appointed members meet to discuss issues, make laws, and check the work of the government The Government are the people who run the country. They decide how much tax people should pay for things and how things like the National Health Service should work. .
The UK Parliament is made up of 2 parts:
- The House of Commons – made up of elected Members of Parliament (MPs)
- The House of Lords – made up of appointed members
Together, they help decide how the country is run.
House of Commons is one part of the UK Parliament.
It is made up of elected Members of Parliament (MPs). People in the UK
vote
People vote in an election. In elections for councillors or MPs, you vote by putting a cross next to the name of the person you want to choose. In less formal elections, like in a small group, you might vote by putting your hand up. The person with the most votes wins.
for them in elections.
MPs meet in the House of Commons to talk about important issues, suggest new laws, and make decisions that affect everyday life.
The House of Commons has a lot of power because its members are chosen by the public.
House of Lords is one part of the UK Parliament.
It is made up of appointed members, not elected ones. These members are often people with experience Experience is when you have learned or tried something before. and knowledge Knowledge is knowing a lot about something. in areas like law, health, or education Education is when you learn things. When you fill in a form to get a job, education means you write where you went to school, college or university. .
Members of the House of Lords check and suggest changes to laws and ask the government questions.
Their job is to help make sure laws are carefully thought through and fair.
The APPG is a group of MPs (Members of Parliament) and Peers (Members of the House of Lords) who meet to talk about how to tackle the issues affecting people with a learning disability and their families.
The Palace of Westminster is in London.
It is next to the River Thames, in an area called Westminster, in central London.
The Parliamentary Outreach service is a UK Parliament programme that helps people understand, engage with, and access Parliament - especially those who might not normally get involved.
What it does
- Education & awareness – explains how Parliament works, what MPs and the House of Lords do, and how laws are made.
- Community A community is the people and places in an area. engagement – works with community groups, charities, local organisations Organisations are groups like companies and businesses. , and under-represented communities.
- Workshops & events – runs talks, Q&A sessions, and interactive workshops (in person and online).
- Support for participation – shows people how to contact their MP, submit evidence to committees, start petitions, or get involved in campaigns.