Mencap Myth Buster Ellie Goldstein has this week become the face of Mencap – including its retail stores across England
She’s made her mark in the fashion world as the first person with Down Syndrome to ever grace the cover of Vogue magazine – and now, Ellie Goldstein, 23, has swapped couture fashion for something a little more sustainable – by becoming the face of Mencap’s retail shops to mark Learning Disability Week.
The Essex born Mallory Towers actor, who has previously modelled for brands such as Nike and Gucci, features in the newly released images, which can be seen in windows across Mencap’s 32 shops from this week. Swapping high end for high street, the pictures show Ellie modelling a selection of colourful finds from Mencap shops – all at bargain prices.
This week Ellie is supporting the charity to promote Learning Disability Week – an annual celebration of people with a learning disability, and their families and carers. There are 1.5 million people with a learning disability in the UK and this year’s Learning Disability Week theme, ‘Do you see me?’, is aimed at ensuring people with a learning disability feel seen, heard and valued. As a Mencap ‘Myth Buster’ Ellie is one of a group of people with a learning disability who want to bust myths and highlight the amazing things that can be achieved.
According to previous research carried out by Mencap more than 44 million – three quarters of people in Britain (77%) could not identify a person in the public eye with a learning disability. While only one in four people (23%) said they could name a public figure with a learning disability – such as Ellie.*
Model Ellie Goldstein says: “I love how the photos have turned out, I look so cool in all the lovely outfits! It’s really exciting to see myself in the shop windows. It means a lot to me to be part of Learning Disability Week and to show what people with learning disabilities can achieve – follow your dreams!”
Jon Sparkes, Chief Executive of Mencap says: “Learning Disability Week is an opportunity for us all to celebrate the 1.5 million people across the UK with a learning disability and what they bring to our communities and society.
This Learning Disability Week we’re thrilled to launch our Myth Buster Ellie as the face of our Mencap shops. Representation matters – and these pictures go to the heart of the work we do at Mencap every day, to ensure people with a learning disability are seen for who they are, not for their disability. Find out how you can get involved at mencap.org.uk/LDweek.”
How else can I get involved with Learning Disability Week?
- Read and learn: find out more at Mencap, including the stories of our amazing Myth Busters.
- Volunteer: There are loads of ways you can get involved as a volunteer and make a huge difference in the life of someone with a learning disability.
- Campaign: make a stand with us on issues ensuring people with a learning disability have equal rights and do not face discrimination. Find out more about our campaigns here.
- Donate to charities: Show your support to a learning disability charity – you can donate to us here.
* The research was conducted on behalf of Mencap by Censuswide with 2,004 nationally representative UK general respondents between 20.05.24 to 22.05.24. Censuswide abide by and employ members of the Market Research Society which is based on the ESOMAR principles and are members of The British Polling Council.
