Energy support this Learning Disability Week
As Learning Disability Week (16–22 June) shines a spotlight on the 1.5 million people in the UK living with a learning disability, leading charity Mencap is using the occasion to highlight the importance of inclusion, support, and visibility; not just this week, but all year round.
Under this year’s theme, ‘Do you see me?’, Mencap is calling for society to truly see, hear, and value people with a learning disability- and one of their recent initiatives to distribute over 200 winter and energy-saving packs is one of the many ways the charity is showing what support looks like.
Over the past six months, Mencap has provided 225 winter and energy-saving packs to individuals and families across the UK. These packs are more than just practical items; each pack contains essentials such as a high quality blanket, hot water bottle, room thermometers, and draught excluders, along with advice and offers of further support from the charity’s dedicated teams. More recently, energy-saving additions like shower timers and plug timers have been added to help people reduce energy wastage.
“They are making a big difference,” says Emma McKay, Marketing Manager at Mencap. “Clients have offered positive feedback about the packs and how they have helped them save money or keep warm.”
The initiative has made a tangible impact on lives like Shelly’s*, who had been living in a poorly heated downstairs room. The team provided her with a pack and advice about energy saving measures. The thermometer was particularly useful in helping her identify the temperature of the room and provided measures like a blanket and hot water bottle to keep warm.
Likewise, for David* whose health condition made him especially vulnerable to the cold, simple items like a blanket and hot water bottle brought real comfort and improved his daily wellbeing.
The packs are available via post or at various Mencap-run events and can be requested through QR codes on publicity materials or by contacting the charity’s helpline.
As Mencap continues to distribute support and resources, the charity is urging everyone to take part in Learning Disability Week by celebrating the contributions of people with a learning disability and by challenging the barriers they face in everyday life.
*names changed to protect identity
To find money and energy advice local to you, please click here