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, and global financial Financial means anything that is to do with money. It is used to describe how people, businesses, or governments get money and how they use it services company, BNY have joined forces to increase financial literacy among 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. which they hope will support independent living and reduce the risk of people falling victim to online fraud and scams.
Launching this year, the programme funded by BNY and co-produced with people with a learning disability - covers essential topics such as budgeting, saving, staying safe online, spotting scams and understanding credit and pensions, areas that some people with a learning disability can find challenging.
These resources will be shared widely via Mencap’s networks, existing
employment
Employment means having a job.
support programmes and through special educational needs (SEN) schools and social media platforms to reach as many of the 1.5 million people in the UK with a learning disability, as possible.
Sessions will be available both face-to-face and online and will be led by dedicated Mencap caseworkers and
volunteer
A volunteer is someone who helps out by doing work for free.
BNY staff based in Liverpool, Manchester, London and Poole. At least 40 sessions will be delivered across all regions, supporting 420 people with a learning disability.
Ciara Lawrence, Engagement Lead at Mencap, has a learning disability and has previously been a victim of fraud. She said:
“It is so important for people like me to have
accessible
Accessible means something is easy for people to use or join in with. For example: Accessible writing means the writing is easy to read and understand.
,
Easy Read
Easy Read is a way of making written information easier to understand. Pictures are usually added next to the writing.
information that can help us understand more about banking, and how to manage our money. Developing these vital skills can give those with a learning disability more financial
independence
Independence means doing things on your own. Making your own choices.
and confidence in everyday tasks.”
Charlotte Helena Mukungu, Head of Philanthropy for Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific and Latin America, at BNY, said:
“Improving financial knowledge Knowledge is knowing a lot about something. is key to building confidence and greater impendence. Through our collaboration with Mencap, we are pleased to support a programme that equips people with a learning disability with the practical skills to manage their money, make informed decisions and feel more secure in their financial lives.”
-ENDS-
For further information, please contact Mencap’s media team on: [email protected] or 02076 965414 (including out of hours).
Note 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
Social care means the services that give care and support to people who need it.
and employment 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.
About BNY
BNY is a global financial services company that helps make money work for the world — managing it, moving it and keeping it safe. For more than 240 years BNY has partnered alongside clients, putting its expertise and platforms to work to help them achieve their ambitions. Today BNY helps over 90% of Fortune 100 companies and nearly all the top 100 banks globally to access the money they need. BNY supports governments in funding local projects and works with over 90% of the top 100 pension plans to safeguard investments for millions of individuals, and so much more. As of March 31, 2025, BNY oversees $53.1 trillion in assets under custody and/or administration and $2.0 trillion in assets under management.
BNY is the corporate brand of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (NYSE: BK). Headquartered in New York City, BNY employs over 50,000 people globally and has been named among Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies and Fast Company's Best Workplaces for Innovators. Additional information is available on www.bny.com. Follow on LinkedIn or visit the BNY Newsroom for the latest company news.