We’re needed on the frontline more than ever

I’m Rachel, and I’m part of the busy team on Mencap’s Learning Disability Helpline in England, which is a key part of our Information and Advice service .

Alongside Mencap’s two other helplines across the UK, we provide vital information, support and guidance to people with a learning disability, their families and carers.

I’m sure you’ll agree that people with a learning disability, should never be left feeling helpless, distressed and scared. Right now though, this is the harsh reality, leaving people in a desperate plight.

Our Information and Advice service is often the only place they can turn, but we’re unable to meet the demand for our support. For example, we currently can’t answer 6 in every 10 calls to our Helpline in England. All of our helplines can only be there for the people who need us due to generous donations from people like you, alongside Government support.

Giving whatever you can could make sure we’re able to answer another call and do all that it takes to prevent a crisis.

More and more of the enquiries we receive are critical. 

I want to share a recent case with you, and I’ve changed the names to protect anonymity. ‘David’ rang me from abroad. Both of his parents had died and he was anxious about ‘Will’, his brother. Will has a learning disability and was about to be evicted from his supported living home. 

Being overseas, David was anxious about his brother’s welfare. He knew the move to unsupported housing would be disastrous for Will, yet felt powerless to act. Working behind the scenes, we identified a family friend to advocate for Will. Together, we got the notice rescinded until we found a suitable new home. We fought for a better care plan too, gaining extra support hours. A crisis was narrowly averted.

This is just one example of the immediate difference you could make by donating today – and the huge relief you could give to the family of someone with a learning disability in their time of need.

Our Information and Advice service covers all areas of life, supporting on a range of vital issues.

We pick up the phone to the police on safeguarding concerns. We speak to local authorities to escalate the urgent need for benefits or care, or to prevent homelessness. We support where there’s been a preventable death in a hospital of a person with a learning disability, healthcare is lacking, or a loved one has been locked away in a modern-day asylum. 

Every moment counts. We simply must be there on the frontline and keep our essential services running. 

It’s so rewarding to get the outcomes that people with a learning disability are due. So many enquiries are from family members, tireless in giving their all. It’s inspiring. We mustn’t fail them.

Our Information and Advice services like our Helpline are increasingly a lifeline. Right now, people with a learning disability are struggling because of the inequalities they face daily. This grave situation is made even worse by the cost-of-living crisis and failures in the care system. Help us step in when most needed. Please be the difference by donating to Mencap’s urgent appeal today.

Mencap Learning Disability Helpline