Read our response
Jon Sparkes, OBE, Chief Executive at 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, says:
“This report underlines years of
neglect
Neglect is when you are not being cared for or supported.
to our
social care
Social care means the services that give care and support to people who need it.
system. It’s a scary reminder of the dire state it’s in and gives us a bleak forecast for the future.
“Social care is a vital lifeline for people with a learning disability. Good care has a significant impact on people's quality of life and contributes to their wellbeing and
independence
Independence means doing things on your own. Making your own choices.
in their communities.
“It’s hugely worrying to hear that so many people are going without the support they need – everyone who needs social care should get it. Social care is the top reason why people contact our helpline, with many people struggling to find support and having problems with the care they receive.
“We know all too well what’s at stake. Care providers are under enormous pressure to absorb long-overdue minimum
wage
A wage is the money you get for doing a paid job.
increases and the rise in
National Insurance
National Insurance is a type of tax. It is money that is taken out of the money you earn each month. You pay National Insurance so that you can get a pension when you are older.
contributions, in a sector that is already severely underfunded.
“Long-term promised reform is needed but, in the meantime, the upcoming Spending Review must provide adequate funding for social care. The dedicated people who work in care, and the people with a learning disability who they support, deserve this security.”
ENDS
For further information or to arrange an
interview
An interview is a meeting where you talk to someone or a group of people about something. When you have an interview for a job, you have to answer questions and say why you would be good at the job. The person who gives the best answers is offered the job.
with a Mencap
spokesperson
A spokesperson is someone who speaks up about something. They usually speak up on behalf of a group or organisation.
or
case study
A case study is a piece of writing that tells people more information about someone's experience.
, please contact Mencap’s media team on: [email protected] or 02076965414 (including out of hours).
Notes to editors:
About Mencap:
Mencap exists to ensure the UK is the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives. We support people directly and
campaign
A campaign is when people work together to try to change something.
with people with a learning disability, their families and carers. We work to change laws, increase representation and campaign for better health, social care and
employment
Employment means having a job.
opportunities for the 1.5 million people with a learning disability in the UK.
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.