Jon Sparkes OBE, chief executive at Mencap, said:
“Today marks a significant moment for 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. , their families and everyone affected by the events at Muckamore Abbey Hospital. The publication of this report follows years of evidence, testimony and determination from families who refused to allow their loved ones’ experiences to be forgotten.
“Mencap recognises the courage shown by individuals, families, and advocates Advocates means supporting or speaking up for someone or something. who helped bring these issues to light. While we continue to analyse the report’s findings in detail, it is clear we must all now focus on implementing its recommendations.
“People with a learning disability and autistic people have the right to safe, person-led support, dignity Dignity means you treat yourself and others well and with respect. , respect Respect means showing someone you think about someone's feelings, wishes or rights. and protection from harm.
“The true legacy of this inquiry will not be measured by the publication of a report but by the actions that follow.
"We call on the Department of Health, Trusts and the wider health and
social care
Social care means the services that give care and support to people who need it.
system to commit to implementing recommendations in full and to work with people with a learning disability and their families in shaping future services.
“People's experiences inside Muckamore must never be forgotten and the harms they experienced must never be repeated.”
ENDS
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).
