- After opening up about his brother who had 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 inspired a wave of donations and support for Mencap - Alexander joins forces with the charity as an official high-profile supporter
- Heartwarming video released today shows Alexander surprising fans who donated with calls to say thank you
- The star wants to end stigma around learning disability.
Mencap are pleased to announce today, on National Siblings Day, that Traitors star Alexander Dragonetti has joined the charity as an official high-profile supporter.
Alexander opened up about his late brother, James, who had a learning disability, during his time on The Traitors - and pledged to donate a portion of his winnings to Mencap if he won. After missing out on the prize pot in the show’s finale, fans donated in droves – with around £95,000 raised in the process.
In a heartwarming video released by the learning disability charity today, Alexander makes surprise calls to fans who donated - thanking them for their generosity and finding out more about why his story moved them to support Mencap.
Alexander Dragonetti said:
“The money raised for Mencap by people supporting me has been nothing short of incredible and will have a huge impact on Mencap’s important work for the 1.5 million people in the UK with a learning disability.
“It’s been brilliant to call some people face to face and thank them for the donations they made and hear their own personal stories. It’s remarkable how many people have experience Experience is when you have learned or tried something before. or are impacted by learning disability. Hearing their stories has been humbling, and often surprisingly moving in just a short call.
“As well as the fundraising, I am also passionate about raising awareness, and am so excited to continue doing this. Being different isn’t easy and I’m proud to play a role for an
organisation
An organisation are a group of people who work together.
that breaks down barriers and improves understanding. People with a learning disability still face stigma and exclusion every day - I want to help Mencap increase visibility of learning disability and hope that in doing so we can promote acceptance and inclusion.”
Jon Sparkes, Chief Executive at Mencap said:
“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Alexander to the Mencap family. He has already done so much to raise awareness of our essential work by bravely sharing his family’s story, and in doing so has opened people’s minds about learning disability. We’re keen to build on this tremendous support with him and work together to make society fairer for people with a learning disability.”
There are around 1.5 million people with a learning disability in the UK and they face huge inequalities. They are more likely to be socially isolated and sadly, people with a learning disability will die on average over two decades earlier compared to the general population. Mencap want to change this and campaign A campaign is when people work together to try to change something. tirelessly for the rights Rights are the things everyone should be allowed to do like have a say, or go to school. of people with a learning disability, tackling stigma and helping people with a learning disability lead happy and healthy 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 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.
