The 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. charity Mencap is urging individuals, carers and families to act now as extreme heat sweeps across the UK this week, with temperatures expected to reach the mid-to-high 30s.
The Met Office has issued red warnings for large parts of England and Wales, warning that the heat is likely to have serious impacts on health and wellbeing, particularly for those most at risk.
Mencap is warning that people with a learning disability face heightened risk of becoming seriously unwell in hot weather, and is calling for urgent, proactive action to prevent avoidable harm.
As temperatures reach potentially record-breaking levels for June, the charity is issuing guidance Guidance means being given clear instructions to be able to do something well. and reminding individuals, carers, and families that hot weather must be treated as a serious health risk, requiring the same level of planning and response as other environmental hazards.
People with a learning disability may be more vulnerable Being vulnerable means being at risk of harm, or that you need special care because of your age or disability. in extreme heat because they may:
- Find it harder to recognise and/or communicate when they are overheating
- Need support to stay hydrated or cool
- Have underlying health conditions worsened by high temperatures
- Live in environments that are harder to regulate
With very hot days and little overnight relief, the risk of prolonged heat stress is significantly increased, but Mencap says simple steps can prevent harm.
It’s urging individuals, carers and families to take the following steps:
- Drink water regularly throughout the day to stay hydrated (avoid relying on tea or coffee, which can contribute to dehydration)
- Keep indoor spaces as cool as possible by closing curtains during the day and ventilating in the evening or overnight
- Stay indoors in the coolest part of the home during peak heat (11am–3pm) where possible
- Wear loose, lightweight clothing
- Stay in the shade when outside and avoid direct sun exposure
- Adjust routines to reduce physical activity during the hottest parts of the day
- Monitor how people are feeling and watch for signs of heat-related illness
- Check indoor temperatures and take steps to keep environments cool
- Ensure regular wellbeing checks, particularly for those who may not communicate discomfort easily
- Have clear plans in place to respond quickly if someone becomes unwell
The early signs of heat exhaustion include:
- Dizziness, headaches or fatigue
- Feeling sick or vomiting
- Fast heartbeat or breathing
- Excessive sweating and high body temperature
Anyone showing symptoms should be cooled down quickly and given fluids, and medical advice should be sought if symptoms persist or worsen.
Dan Scorer, director of public affairs at Mencap, said:
“This week’s extreme heat is not just uncomfortable; it can be life- threatening Threatening is when someone says they are going to do something bad to you or others. . And for people with a learning disability, the risks are often greater.
“Too often these risks are overlooked, but much of the harm caused by hot weather is preventable with the right support and action.
“With heatwaves becoming more common, we’re reminding services, carers and families to check on people who could be vulnerable to harm during this period of high temperatures, put simple measures in place, and take this seriously. It could save lives.”
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guidance, designed to help people with a learning disability stay safe in hot weather, is available on Mencap’s website.
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Note to editors
About Mencap
There are 1.5 million people with a learning disability in the UK and they deserve to live their life to the full. So Mencap supports people with a learning disability to succeed in the things that matter to them. To ensure that people with a learning disability are not left behind at any stage of their life, we campaign A campaign is when people work together to try to change something. for a fairer society; work with families and partners to build inclusive communities; and we deliver person-centred services. We’ve spent 80 years changing lives. Now, with Mencap 2030, we’re changing the future.
What is a learning disability?
A learning disability is a reduced intellectual ability which affects someone for their whole life. Typically, people with a learning disability need more time to learn and process information. They may need extra support to develop skills, complete tasks and interact with others, or they may have more complex needs requiring round-the clock care. The level of support needed is different for everyone and may change during a person’s lifetime.
Learning disability is NOT a mental illness or a learning difficulty. Often, the term ‘learning difficulty’ is wrongly used in place of ‘learning disability’. Having a learning difficulty (such as ADHD or
dyslexia
Dyslexia is a learning difficulty. People who have dyslexia can find it hard to read, write and spell.
) may mean a person learns at a different pace or in a different way BUT – unlike a learning disability - it does not affect a person’s intellect.
With the right support, most people with a learning disability can lead happy, healthy, independent lives. At Mencap, it’s our mission to remove societal barriers and shatter misconceptions to make this more possible for more people.
Mencap’s guide to reporting on Learning Disability
When it comes to creating content with people with a learning disability, we know many people feel nervous about saying and doing the wrong thing. Our guide for journalists, covers everything from up-to-date facts and figures to the right language to use. It also includes tips on how to work with people with a learning disability to gather the best content.
For further information, please contact Mencap’s media team on: [email protected] or 02076 965414 (including out of hours).
