Mencap, the charity that describes itself as ‘the voice of learning disability’ has launched its own TV channel to alleviate loneliness during the lockdown.
YouTube channel Mencap TV was set up to offer ‘something for everyone’ and has so far broadcast cookery, exercise, quiz and discussion programmes with much more promised.
It has arrived at a time when research by the Office for National statistics on Coronavirus and the social impacts on disabled people in Great Britain , shows that many people with learning disabilities have lost social support during the Covid-19 crisis.
New videos are released daily via the channel and all of them feature someone with a learning disability or people who support them. Mencap ambassador Harry Roche, who was the first person to appear on the channel, said: “This is for the 1.5 million people with a learning disability to watch, follow and enjoy from home. These challenging times are hard for everyone but they can be especially tough for people with a learning disability. It will help with structure and keeping busy.
“Mencap have also created a wider hub of online resources on their website and downloadable activities to ensure that there is as much accessible information and inclusive content available to people with a learning disability as possible.”
The charity’s website also includes a page of easy read coronavirus advice. They have also set up a fundraising appeal because of the extra work they will have to do during the crisis.
The local branch Sheffield Mencap and Gateway is closed at the moment but their website also contains activities to do at home .
