About Mencap
What we do
Most people do not understand what a learning disability is or what it is caused by. Therefore, people with a learning disability – including people with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) – are among the most excluded and disadvantaged people in today’s society.
All people with a learning disability are individuals with their own personalities, likes and dislikes, goals and ambitions. It just isn’t possible to say that all people with a learning disability will develop, act or learn in the same way.
Unfortunately, many people with a learning disability don’t get the chance to have their choices fulfilled because they don’t always get the support they need from government and because other people and institutions don’t try to understand their wants, their needs or their abilities.
Too often people with a learning disability are ignored.
That’s why Mencap is here.
Mencap is the voice of learning disability. Everything we do is about valuing and supporting people with a learning disability, and their families and carers.
Mencap and our local groups work with people with a learning disability across England, Northern Ireland and Wales. All of our services support people to live life as they choose. Our work includes:
- providing high-quality, flexible services in things like housing, employment, education and personal support that allow people to live as independently as possible in a place they choose
- providing advice through our helplines and website
- campaigning for the changes that people with a learning disability want and need.
We work with people of all ages who have a learning disability. All our services are tailored to the individual so we can provide support throughout their life. This includes each stage of development in childhood, through adulthood and into old age.
We want to create a world where people with a learning disability are valued, equally, listened to and included. Every person should have the opportunity to achieve the things they want from life.
To find out more visit www.mencap.org.uk.
Where the money is going
Over the past two years Little Noise Sessions has been thrilled to be supporting the Mencap Arts awards scheme.
We are delighted to announce a new bursary scheme for performance and visual artists with a learning disability funded by Little Noise Sessions. This scheme will be a great opportunity for artists with a learning disability to develop their skills and increase their opportunities in the arts and creative industries.
"As arts develop so do people."
Andy Kee, artist and youth worker with a learning disability.Any money raised over and above the required amount will go towards Mencap’s other valuable work.
