Our Impact
During 2024, Reading Mencap supported 292 people with a learning disability and family carers to be happy, healthy, have aspirations and live the lives they choose.
We run a range of holistic services, with most clients using more than one service. In this way, we really get to know many of the families we support, seeing them several times a week and building trusted relationships. This leads to many people describing Reading Mencap as a ‘second home’.
Family Support: Outreach information, advice and casework, specialising in social care.
4ME Activities: Day service for adults with a learning disability running weekdays at our centre.
Clubs: Social and leisure groups for adults with a learning disability, such as discos and drama.
Carers Partnership: Information, Carer’s Assessments and social events for family carers.
Information and Advice
Our Family Advisers provided information, advice and life-changing casework to 165 individuals through 4, 393 contacts.100% of adults with learning disabilities found the support from their Family Adviser ‘very helpful’.94% of adults with learning disabilities and 93% of family carers felt more informed of their options and rights.
Improved Quality of Life
100% of adults with learning disabilities think their life is better as a result of Reading Mencap’s support with 67% saying their life is a lot better.
Improved Health and Wellbeing
96% of adults with learning disabilities say Reading Mencap helps them stay healthy.
100% of adults with learning disabilities say they feel happier, with 75% saying they’re a lot happier.
Members of our 4ME Activities Service took part in 104 sessions of dance, yoga, tai chi, trampolining, bowling, wheelchair sports and more.
120 completed Walk a Mile in Our Shoes – Reading Mencap’s inclusive walking event during Learning Disability Week.
Support for Family Carers
The Carers Coordinator supported more than 100 family carers, 79 of whom were supported to complete a Carer’s Assessment. 100% of carers rated this support as excellent or good, and 100% said they felt more informed of their options and rights.
88% of carers said Reading Mencap has helped them to feel better able to cope with their caring responsibilities.
Reduction in Loneliness & Isolation
100% of adults with learning disabilities said they ‘love’ or ‘like’ coming to Hear Our Voice seld-advocacy group, monthly disco, Performing Arts Club and Gateway Club, while 95% said they ‘love’ or ‘like’ coming to 4ME Activities day service at Reading Mencap’s centre.
94% of adults with learning disabilities say Reading Mencap helps them to meet with friends or make new friends.
Spotlight on the Family Support Service
The Family Advisers:
- Are experienced and qualified professionals in learning disabilities and autism
- Have expert knowledge of the law and guidance governing services for people with disabilities
- Have experience across Reading Borough Council’s Children’s and Adult Services
Two individuals and 1 family were supported to move from unsafe housing into new homes, giving them a fresh start and significantly improving their quality of life
Ten people with a learning disability were supported to maintain their tenancies, keeping a safe and habitable home
70 people with a learning disability were supported to access Annual Health Checks, vaccinations and Health Action Plans, helping them to maintain and improve their health
28 young people with a learning disability were supported to access day and respite provision, including Personal Assistant support, ensuring the care and stability they needed.
Read our Impact Report in full.
