Mencap launches bold new strategy to support people with a learning disability to live their lives to the full

Mencap has today launched its new five‑year strategy , Mencap 2030, setting out how the charity will work with people with a learning disability , families, communities and partners to tackle persistent inequalities and drive meaningful change at scale.

Launching in the year Mencap marks its 80th anniversary, the strategy reflects both the progress made since the organisation was founded by Judy Fryd in 1946 and the urgent challenges that remain. People with a learning disability continue to die younger than the general population, face significant barriers to employment , housing and healthcare, and are more likely to experience isolation and exclusion.

Central to the strategy is a greater focus on key moments throughout people's lives, including early years and family support, the transition to adulthood, employment, social care , ageing and long‑term security.  

Over the life of the strategy, Mencap will focus on five strategic goals:  

1. Provide excellent person-centred services and grow our areas of specialism
2. Work with communities and our network groups so that people with a learning disability are included in their communities and less lonely
3. Break down barriers to equality by increasing awareness and understanding of learning disability and changing policies that impact the lives of people with a learning disability
4. Create a culture of belonging where everyone feels welcome and can achieve Mencap’s goals and live our values
5. Run Mencap well so that we have the resources, technology, systems and processes to deliver our strategy

The strategy sets out ambitions to support more people with a learning disability and families directly, increase access to work for young people with a learning disability, expand community ‑based programmes, whilst continuing to drive policy change on key issues that matter most to people with a learning disability.

Mencap 2030: Supporting people with a learning disability to live their lives to the full has been co‑produced with people with a learning disability, their families and Mencap colleagues. At its heart are a series of “I‑statements” that set out what a good life looks like from the perspective of people with a learning disability and will be guiding Mencap’s priorities over the next five years.  

Inclusion is hard wired into the organisation – from the Voices Council , a group of people with a learning disability who inform Mencap’s work to support people with a learning disability to live their life to the full and advise the board on all its decisions, to our policy shapers , people with a learning disability who advise our policy and campaigns work

Ciara Lawrence, Engagement Lead at Mencap, who has a learning disability and led on the co-production of the i statements in the strategy, said:

“Right from the start, I have been really proud to be part of the group at Mencap leading on our fantastic new strategy.

“We want to make sure that over the next five years we continue to speak up for people with a learning disability like me, and I’m really excited about the ambitious work we’re going to do.  

“I’ve been involved in co‑producing the strategy and have spoken to people with a learning disability and their loved ones about what matters most to them — to make it real.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing how we shape our work to make sure we truly make a difference to the lives of people with a learning disability.”  

Mencap also recognises the rapidly changing world we are living in, including ongoing pressures on social care, funding constraints across the third sector, and the growing role of technology and artificial intelligence. Mencap commits to investing in strong digital foundations while ensuring people with a learning disability are not left behind as services and systems change.  

Mencap’s Chief Executive, Jon Sparkes OBE says:

“We’ve spent 80 years changing lives. Now, with Mencap 2030, we’re changing the future.

“The UK’s 1.5m people with a learning disability need our support now more than ever. Devastating cuts to social care and an unrelenting cost of living crisis mean people with a learning disability, their families and carers are struggling to meet basic needs.  

“Institutional and systemic failings see people with a learning disability often not getting the right healthcare, resulting in some either dying avoidably, or being wrongly detained in mental health institutions at risk of neglect and abuse – our work has never been more important.  

“People with a learning disability have the right to live their life to the full. We must do more — and our ambitious strategy will help make that happen.

“This strategy is rooted in what people with a learning disability have told us matters most to them – choice, belonging, safety, independence and being valued. We will also be expanding support for people with a learning disability and growing our areas of specialism — from early years to older age—ensuring no one is left behind.  We want to deliver tailored, high-quality services to more people.

“Over the next five years we want to work alongside partners across the third sector, communities and public services to make those outcomes a reality for more people with a learning disability throughout their life."

The strategy emphasises the importance of collaboration with other charities, local Mencap partners, commissioners, housing providers, employers and community organisations to extend reach, reduce duplication and maximise collective impact.  

Mencap 2030 will be delivered through annual business planning and measured against a framework of strategic outcomes, with progress regularly reviewed by trustees and informed by people with lived experience.  

For more information read the one page 'Mencap 2030 Strategy' summary.

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