Rachel
“Please give to our
appeal
To appeal means saying you want someone to think about a decision again.
, so our Information and Advice services can be there for 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.
when most needed.”
Annette
“We don’t just help with the here and now, we’re also fighting for people’s
rights
Rights are the things everyone should be allowed to do like have a say, or go to school.
.”
Many of the issues we hear about are caused by an unfair system. With your support, Mencap won’t rest until people with a learning disability can lead happy and healthy lives across the UK. We’ll keep on campaigning for the changes that are so desperately needed.
“Thank you once again for rescuing us. I have so much to thank Mencap for.”
Margaret
“We support traumatised people who have no one else to listen to them.”
Trauma can build up slowly, if you’re a parent or family member of a loved one with a learning disability who is firefighting every single day. That’s why our team gets training on handling trauma and, sadly, suicidal calls, as well as on care and housing
law
Laws are the rules that everyone in the country has to follow. If you don't follow the rules you can get in trouble with the police.
, money mentorship and more.
“It has been such a horrible period in our lives and we are so grateful for your input, it means so much.”
Kieran
“It feels like Mencap is in my DNA. I’ve grown up with the charity.”
Kieran is another dedicated member of our Helpline, with strong connection to learning disability. His mother ran a Mencap group for three decades, and his older sister, Maureen, has Down’s syndrome. Away from taking calls, Kieran has completed the TCS London Marathon for Team Mencap.
“You have been an absolute godsend. Just having someone answer the phone and listen has really lightened the load.”
Tina
“I say take the time you need and I’m going to listen.”
Our Helpline team members, like Tina, have a remarkable skillset to match their resilience. Quickly building trust with the person calling in is fundamental. So too is picking up on information mid conversation. Often, the root issue that needs tackling can be hidden when a person first dials in.
“What an angel you are, I really mean it. It is your understanding and genuine concern that I am so touched by.”
Help us step in when most needed
Our Helplines are a lifeline to so many people, we simply must be there to help.
Your donations keep this essential service running.