The singer-songwriter will also be giving away two pairs of tour tickets to one of his UK shows.
This month, ‘Human’ singer Rag ‘n’ Bone Man – aka Rory Graham – has teamed up with Mencap on its ‘Rock Your Socks’ campaign to create a limited-edition run of silly socks with 100 per cent of profits going to the charity; raising money for Mencap to help support 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.
across the UK.
The colourful design, which features an illustrated image of Rag ‘n' Bone Man with graffiti style ‘Rock Your Socks’ logo are available now online – but hurry, as they won’t be around for long!
Multi-Brit award winner Rory has created the bespoke pair as part of ‘Rock Your Socks’ – a fundraising
campaign
A campaign is when people work together to try to change something.
that happens every year on World
Down Syndrome
Down syndrome, also known as Down's syndrome, is a type of disability. People with Down syndrome may find it hard to learn new things and may need support. They may have more problems with their health too.
Day where the public are encouraged to wear odd or vibrant socks. World Down Syndrome Day – this year on March 21st - celebrates people with Down Syndrome, a genetic condition which causes some level of learning disability. People with Down Syndrome are born with an extra copy of chromosome 21. Under a microscope, this extra chromosome looks like a tiny sock, which is why the charity celebrate by asking the public to rock their socks.
For Rory, 40, the condition is one that’s close to his heart as his older sister Lucy, age 42, has Down Syndrome. The singer hopes that his unique designs will help raise awareness of the condition.
He says: “I’m really excited to start working with Mencap now - and more in the future - the work they do is so important to raise awareness and provide support for people with a learning disability. I hope everyone gets
involved
Involved is being included in something or taking part in something.
with Rock Your Socks or finds their own way to support the charity.”
You can also be in with a chance of winning two pairs of tickets to see Rag ‘n’ Bone Man at one of his UK Summer 2025 concerts (Ts&Cs apply) – simply share an image of you rocking any colourful socks for World Down Syndrome Day on Instagram and tag Mencap and Rag’n’Bone Man (@mencap, @ragnboneman, #RockYourSocks). The best picture will win the coveted tickets.
Jon Sparkes, OBE, Chief Executive at learning disability charity Mencap says: ‘We are thrilled to be working with Rory and hope everyone will get involved this March and support people with a learning disability by rocking their socks on the 21st. Every penny raised will go towards funding our vital work to support the 1.5 million people in the UK living with a learning disability.”
The socks, which come in one size, are priced at £15, and sold out 50% of stock within 24 hours! Grab the rest via Mencap’s channels before they go and support a great cause!
-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
An organisation are a group of people who work together.
.
or
case study
A case study is a piece of writing that tells people more information about someone's
experience
Experience is when you have learned or tried something before.
.
, please contact Mencap’s media team on: media@mencap.org.uk 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 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
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.