Learning disability charity Mencap has launched its new national campaign, I’m In, to tackle health inequalities faced by people with a learning disability.
There are around 1.5 million people with a learning disability in the UK, and the campaign aims to increase the numbers of people on the GP Learning Disability Register by 50% – from around 340,000 to 500,000 – ensuring thousands more receive vital annual health checks and reasonable adjustments.
People with a learning disability are dying on average nearly 20 years younger than the general population, and almost two in five deaths are avoidable. Being on the Learning Disability Register is a crucial step to better healthcare, including free annual health checks, flu vaccinations, and tailored support.
The Learning Disability Register: Are you in?
Mencap has created an online tool to help people generate a letter for their GP in minutes. Once signed up, individuals can request the healthcare they deserve – and even receive a free I’m In badge to celebrate taking part.
Why it matters:
- People aged 14+ on the register are entitled to a free annual health check.
- GP surgeries can make reasonable adjustments to appointments and care.
- Better data means better campaigning for improved health outcomes.
Jon Sparkes OBE, Chief Executive of Mencap, said: “Too many people with a learning disability are missing out on essential healthcare.
“The Learning Disability Register is a simple but powerful tool to change that. So, if you have a learning disability, join the thousands of others saying ‘I’m In’, and help close the health gap.
“We’ve made it quicker and easier to join the learning disability register – use our website to quickly make a letter for your GP.”
Thanks to funding from Omaze UK, Mencap is working to make joining the register easier than ever. The campaign will engage people with a learning disability, families, carers, GPs, and support organisations nationwide.
Find out more and join the campaign:
www.mencap.org.uk/get-involved/campaigns-and-activism/im-in or email: campaigns@mencap.org.uk
Mencap has also made an Easy Read about its I’m In campaign
