Mencap defines a learning disability as a reduced intellectual ability and difficulty with everyday activities. There are three different types mild, moderate and severe. Each person with a learning or intellectual disability is different and has their own strengths.
People with learning disabilities may need help with challenging behaviours, sleep and daily routines. We also have sleep resources created by our Learning Disability team here.
Disability Positive
Disability Positive provide services, opportunities and a voice for people with lived experience of disability and long-term health conditions, and their families.
Visit the Disability Positive website.
Scope
Scope is the the disability equality charity in England and Wales. They provide practical information and emotional support when it's most needed campaign relentlessly to create a fairer society.
Disability Rights UK
Disability Rights UK Work with the Disabled People’s Organisations, public bodies, businesses and government across the UK to influence regional and national change for better rights and accessibility, benefits, quality of life and economic opportunities for disabled people.
Visit the Disability Rights UK website.
Books Beyond Words
Books Beyond Words is a charity providing books for people who don’t like written words, but read through pictures. They share simple messages through stories using coloured pictures. Topics include going to the doctor, bereavement, sexual abuse and depression. Some of the titles are available online.
Visit the Books Beyond Words website.
Equality Advisory and Support Service
The Equality Advisory and Support Service provide advice on issues relating to equality and human rights, including guidance for disabled people. Call their helpline on 0808 800 0082.
Visit the Equality Advisory and Support Service website.
Livability
Livability are a Christian organisation providing care services for disabled people in England and Wales.
Mencap
Mencap provide information and advice for people with a learning disability, their families and carers. Services include an online community.
Respond
Respond provides services for people with learning disabilities or autism, who've experienced abuse or trauma.
United Response
United Response support people in England and Wales with learning disabilities, autism and mental health needs. Services include help with housing, supported living, education and employment.
Visit the United Response website.
Carers UK
Carers UK provide advice and support for anyone who provides care.
Real Life Options
Real Life Options support and care for people with learning disabilities and autism. This includes supported living and residential care.
Visit the Real Life Options website.
Access to Work Scheme
Access to Work can help you get or stay in work if you have a physical or mental health condition or disability. The support you get will depend on your needs. Through Access to Work, you can apply for a grant to help pay for practical support with your work, support with managing your mental health at work, and money to pay for communication support at job interviews.
Visit the UK Government website for details of the Access to Work Scheme.
Carers Trust
Carers Trust provide a wealth of information online to help unpaid carers access the support they need. Locally, our network of partners support carers throughout the UK, giving them access to help, advice and breaks from caring.
Visit the Carers Trust website.
VoiceAbility
VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services.
Visit the VoiceAbility website.
Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice offer a range of services around benefits and general advice.
Challenging Behaviour Foundation
The Challenging Behaviour Foundation are the only UK charity specifically focussed on the needs of children, young people and adults with severe learning disabilities whose behaviour may be described as challenging, and their families.
Visit the Challenging Behaviour Foundation website.
Scope
Understanding your child’s behaviour could help you to make a behaviour management strategy for home and school.
Mencap
Challenging behaviour and learning disability, and how to find the right support.
Young Minds
If you're experiencing challenging behaviour from your child or young person, Young Minds have tips for what you can do and where to get help.
Visit the Young Minds website.
Behaviour Support Hub
Are you struggling with your child’s behaviour and don’t know where to turn next? Support for parents, carers, schools and professionals.
Visit the Behaviour Support Hub website.
Family Lives
Family Lives gives advice on dealing with challenging behaviour