Campaigns
Giving everyone a voice to be heard
Barnet Mencap’s vision is for a “world where people with a learning disability are valued equally, listened to and included. We want everyone to have the opportunity to achieve the things they want out of life.”
A lot has changed for people with learning disabilities and their families since Barnet Mencap was established in 1965. But we are still a long way from making this vision a reality for everyone.
Barnet Mencap provides services and support. But we also campaign to improve the lives of children and adults with learning disabilities. One of Barnet Mencap’s powers as a charity is to “influence public opinion and policy... undertaking campaigning and... political activities.”
Barnet Mencap has a long history of campaigning for education and social care for people with a learning disability. In recent years the campaign for short breaks for disabled children and to combat hate crime has led to the development of new local services.
People with learning disabilities and staff have campaigned together to fight the cuts to disability benefits. They have encouraged more people to vote and for politicians to listen to their concerns through the Hear My Voice campaign.
Currently, we are campaigning for better healthcare. Treat Me Well and Don’t Miss Out are pushing for hospital care to improve for people with learning disabilities and for more adults and young people to get good quality annual health checks. We continue to promote people’s rights to a Care Act Assessment.
Much of Barnet Mencap’s campaigning is linked with Royal Mencap’s national campaigns. It involves meeting, writing letters and getting out the message through social media. People with learning disabilities and their families are a key, active part of any successful campaign and we always want to involve more people. Please contact us if you want to take part or to suggest new activities.
