This campaign has now closed
People with a learning disability are amongst the most disadvantaged in society and are disproportionately impacted by the ongoing cost of living crisis. As winter strains their finances even further, our advice and support services are a vital lifeline.
Categories
Beneficiaries
Situation
Many people with a learning disability already face extra everyday costs (an estimated average of £975 a month), but now household and care budgets are stretched past breaking point. Less than a third of working-age adults with a learning disability are in paid work. That is the lowest employment rate for any health condition or disability in the UK. In Winter 2023, we saw a 20% increase in cost of living related enquiries to our helpline in England. Our services are vital during these times.
Solution
Mencap offers free information and advice through our helpline, website, and community hub to help people with a learning disability tackle the cost of living crisis. We support them to navigate the complex benefits system, find more affordable energy contracts, and budget effectively. We also provide accessible financial content and practical how-to guides. Without this, people with a learning disability could struggle with keeping warm, staying healthy and paying their bills over the winter.
