Mencap responds to PM announcement on social care
Jon Sparkes OBE, Chief Executive of 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, said:
"The priority the
Prime Minister
The Prime Minister is the leader of the government.
is placing on
social care
Social care means the services that give care and support to people who need it.
, and the recognition of the important work that care workers do every day, gives us hope that meaningful change can happen. Everyone should be able to get the support they need without worrying about how they will afford it.
"People with a learning disability and their families tell us they face rising care charges and inconsistent support depending on where they live. Many families are struggling to afford essential care and make up for gaps in support, while their loved ones worry they could lose the care they rely on and be left isolated.
"We look forward to the Casey Commission's recommendations addressing these concerns so that a National Care Service A service gives people what they need, like healthcare services that help people when they are ill, and support services that give people support. delivers for everyone who relies on social care, including people with a learning disability.”
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).
