Mencap
Myth
A myth is an idea about something that is not true.
Buster Ellie Goldstein has this week become the face of Mencap – including its retail stores across England
She’s made her mark in the fashion world as the first person with
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.
to ever grace the cover of Vogue magazine – and now, Ellie Goldstein, 23, has swapped couture fashion for something a little more sustainable – by becoming the face of Mencap's retail shops to mark
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.
Week.
The Essex born Mallory Towers actor, who has previously modelled for brands such as Nike and Gucci, features in the newly released images, which can be seen in windows across Mencap’s 32 shops from this week. Swapping high end for high street, the pictures show Ellie modelling a selection of colourful finds from Mencap shops – all at bargain prices.
This week Ellie is supporting the charity to promote Learning Disability Week - an annual celebration of people with a learning disability, and their families and carers. There are 1.5 million people with a learning disability in the UK and this year’s Learning Disability Week theme, ‘Do you see me?’, is aimed at ensuring people with a learning disability feel seen, heard and valued. As a Mencap ‘Myth Buster’ Ellie is one of a group of people with a learning disability who want to bust myths and highlight the amazing things that can be achieved.
According to previous research Research is a way of finding out information which could come from books, or asking people what they think. carried out by Mencap more than 44 million - three quarters of people in Britain (77%) could not identify a person in the public eye with a learning disability. While only one in four people (23%) said they could name a public figure with a learning disability – such as Ellie.*
Model Ellie Goldstein says: “I love how the photos have turned out, I look so cool in all the lovely outfits! It’s really exciting to see myself in the shop windows. It means a lot to me to be part of Learning Disability Week and to show what people with learning disabilities can achieve - follow your dreams!”
Jon Sparkes, Chief Executive of Mencap says: “Learning Disability Week is an opportunity for us all to celebrate the 1.5 million people across the UK with a learning disability and what they bring to our communities and society.
This Learning Disability Week we’re thrilled to launch our Myth Buster Ellie as the face of our Mencap shops. Representation matters – and these pictures go to the heart of the work we do at Mencap every day, to ensure people with a learning disability are seen for who they are, not for their disability. Find out how you can get involved Involved is being included in something or taking part in something. at mencap.org.uk/LDweek.”
How else can I get involved with Learning Disability Week?
Read and learn: find out more at Mencap, including the stories of our amazing Myth Busters.
Volunteer
A volunteer is someone who helps out by doing work for free.
: There are loads of ways you can get involved as a
volunteer
A volunteer is someone who helps out by doing work for free.
and make a huge difference in the life of someone with a learning disability.
Campaign
A campaign is when people work together to try to change something.
: make a stand with us on issues ensuring people with a learning disability have equal
rights
Rights are the things everyone should be allowed to do like have a say, or go to school.
and do not face
discrimination
Discrimination is when someone is treated differently (usually in a bad way) because of things like their disability or their religion.
. Find out more about our campaigns here.
Donate to charities: Show your support to a learning disability charity - you can donate to us here.
* The research was conducted on behalf of Mencap by Censuswide with 2,004 nationally
representative
A representative is also called a rep. A representative is someone who speaks up for everyone in their group or team.
UK general respondents between 20.05.24 to 22.05.24. Censuswide abide by and employ members of the Market Research Society which is based on the ESOMAR principles and are members of The British Polling
Council
A council is also called a local authority. They are a group of people who make decisions about some of the things in the area where you live. These include: schools, social care (support for people), parks and dustbin collection.
.
-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.
or
case study
A case study is a piece of writing that tells people more information about someone's experience.
, please contact Mencap’s media team on: [email protected] 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.