About the Mencap Voices Council
We are a group of 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. . There is a Chair and a Vice Chair who lead the group.
We share our views and experiences to help Mencap’s Board of Trustees and Executive Team make decisions.
We meet 4 times a year in person.
1 of these meetings is in a new place. This is often at a Mencap Network Partner group.
What we do
We are a group of people with a learning disability.
We bring our lived experience and give our advice in meetings. This is to advice on decisions at are made at Mencap.
As a group we believe strongly about 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.
We think about the barriers people with a learning disability face and put items onto our
agenda
An agenda is a list of things to talk about at a meeting.
which people with a learning disability might need extra support with.
We plan ahead and create our agenda alongside what the Board of Trustees’ agenda is.
We have our own priorities as well, and aim to have an equal balance between our work and the organisations Organisations are groups like companies and businesses. work.
Recent work by the Voices Council
My name is Aisha and I live in London. I enjoy being around people and as well as Mencap, I do lots of work with the Lewisham ‘Speaking Up’ group. I was a Mencap
myth
A myth is an idea about something that is not true.
buster.
My name is Cian, I am 21 years old and I am from Birmingham. I am a member of the Mencap
Voices Council
The Mencap Voices Council are a group of 12 people with a learning disability. They share their views and experiences to help Mencap's Board of Trustees make decisions.
where I have an opportunity to share my views and help make a difference. It is important to me to have a say and to use my voice to help others through my own and others experiences to help shape a better support system for everyone.
My name is Taylor, and I’ve been a member of the Voices
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.
for three years. Since becoming the Chair in April 2026, I’ve been working hard to create positive change at Mencap and in my local
community
A community is the people and places in an area.
. I attend local
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.
meetings, speak at events,
volunteer
A volunteer is someone who helps out by doing work for free.
at Summerhaven Club and engage with MPs. I am passionate about making a difference and improving the lives of people with learning disabilities.
My name is Bryony, I'm member of Mencap's Voices Council. I have been a member for over 2 years. I'm a freelance model and content creator, disability and mental health
advocate
An advocate is a person who can help you have your say. An advocate can speak up for you if you find it hard.
, and have built an online community of over 10,000 followers. I have cerebral palsy, a learning disability and FND. I share my experiences to raise awareness, challenge stereotypes and promote inclusion.
My name is Georgia, and I’m a member of Mencap’s Voices Council since 2025. I have many diverse hobbies that I enjoy including art, performing, creativity, concerts, musicals, fashion, travelling, the outdoors, learning new things, reading, singing, and spending time with my family and friends. In my spare time I sing for my local choir, and I attend my local community art group. I have a passion and desire to make a difference for people with disabilities in my community. I volunteer for many incredible charities and organisations, and I raise awareness and share my lived experience on the issues and barriers people who like me live with a Learning Disability,
Autism
Autism is a disability. Autistic people find it difficult to understand what other people think and feel. They also find it difficult to tell people what they think and feel. Everyone with autism is different.
and ADHD often face.
My name is Barbara, and I’m on the Voices Council and I have been doing so for 8 years. I live in Northern Ireland. I work at Starbucks and IKEA, and I am excited to move into independent living soon.
My name is Kylie. I live in Wales, I am a voice for people with disabilities across Wales. I attend the voices council 4 times a year. I’ve been involved Involved is being included in something or taking part in something. in interviews. I'm a person with a learning disability and I attend a fantastic Mencap day 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. in Llanfyllin. I have learned a lots of new things and making new friends.
My name is Sam and I am a member of the Voices Council. I was previously the Vice Chair I won the Sheila McKenzie Award for
advocacy
Advocacy is when you get support to have your say.
and passion towards supporting people with a learning disability. I am a passionate member of John’s Club and was a Trustee of it, its a gateway club for people with a learning disability on the Isle of Wight.
What we talk about
Strategy
A strategy is a plan to show what an organisation, or a person, wants to do and how they are going to do it.
and ways of working are often talked about in our meetings and we let the Trustee’s and Executive Team know what we think.
Mencap’s 2030 Strategy is always part of our work.
What is Mencap's 2030 Strategy?
Mencap’s 2030 strategy sets out how we will support people with a learning disability to succeed in the things that matter to them.
"By attending a Voices Council meeting you witness inclusive debate, diverse topics and challenging contributions.
The conclusions shared by the Chair and Vice Chair ensures a strong learning disability led focus to Mencap’s governance."
Hear from the Voices Council
The Voices council are passionate about inclusivity.
Watch this video to find out why they like to take part.
Any questions?
If you have a question, or would like to share your views of what you think the Voices Council should be doing, please email us.