Reading Mencap

23/06/2026

Easy read with tips on how to stay cool.

This week, the weather is expected to be very hot.

People with a learning disability, autism, and ADHD might not notice when they are getting too hot or need a break.

They might not know they are overheating until they feel unwell.

We have made an easy read to help you stay safe and comfortable in the heat. It has ways to stay cool, how to protect yourself from the sun and other helpful tips for hot weather.

Please take a look and share with others who might find it useful. Please also check in on people who may need extra support during the hot weather.

Check out our easy read here: https://brnw.ch/21x3yle

22/06/2026

We were absolutely delighted to welcome the The Mayor of Reading, Cllr Paul Gittings, to our tea party celebrating Learning Disability Week! A massive thank you to all the parents, carers, and clients who came along and made the celebration so memorable. Our garden looked stunning - members of our 4ME Day Activities Service had been busy planting fresh flowers and herbs and making beautiful bunting to decorate the space. It was very special to see so many smiling faces. Here’s to many more sunny days and happy memories together!

20/06/2026

Our CEO, Sally Utting, was delighted to attend a special Parliamentary reception to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Mencap, with whom we are affiliated as a proud Network Partner. Several MPs, including Sir Stephen Timms MP, Jen Craft MP and Bob Blackman MP joined campaigners, supporters and people with a learning disability at the reception, which celebrated progress, while looking ahead at the work still needed to create a truly inclusive society.

19/06/2026

We're all very excited about our garden party, which we're holding today for members of our 4ME Day Activities Service and their families and carers to celebrate Learning Disability Week!

18/06/2026

As we celebrate Learning Disability Week, we’ve been having a totes fab time getting creative and crafting unique bags. Perfect for putting all your bits and bobs in! Projects like this are fantastic for developing fine motor skills and encouraging self-expression.

17/06/2026

It was our absolute pleasure to support an incredible afternoon for carers at Signature at Caversham. It was great to see everyone chatting and taking some much-needed time for themselves. A big thank you to the team at Signature for hosting the event and making it a day to remember!

16/06/2026

It’s Learning Disability Week and we want to shine the spotlight on one of our key services – our fantastic 4ME Day Activities Service. Our day service is much more than just a place to go during the week – it’s a place where we focus on what adults with learning disabilities can do:

🎨 Learn new skills and build independence
🌍Get out and about exploring the local community
😄Have fun and catch up with friends

In our annual survey, 100% of adults with a learning disability told us they ‘love’ or ‘like’ coming to 4ME!

Beyond the impact the service has on its members, it also provides vital respite for families and carers, giving them peace of mind knowing their loves ones are safe, happy and thriving.

One carer told us: “4ME is brilliant! I know that my son is well cared for and it is truly difficult for me to have that trust. He is very happy to go and constantly talks about his friends at Reading Mencap.”

We’re so proud of the community we’ve built together. Happy Learning Disability Week everyone!

15/06/2026

It’s Learning Disability Week! Do You See Me? is this year's theme, aimed at making sure people with learning disabilities are truly seen, heard and valued. At Reading Mencap, we see the talents and individuality of our members every day. This week we invite everyone in Reading to join us in celebrating the incredible people who make the Reading Mencap community so wonderful!

12/06/2026

Reading Mencap doesn’t just support individuals, we are a lifeline for the people who care for them, providing information and advice and a listening ear. Client feedback is overwhelming positive: 96% of family carers rated the quality of support they received from their Family Adviser as ‘excellent’ or ‘good’, with 79% of carers saying the support was ‘excellent’. If you are a family carer in need of support, please call us on 0118 966 2518 or email [email protected]

11/06/2026

Are you a carer without realising it? Yesterday, at the Broad Street Mall Information Fair we spoke to several people who are looking after vulnerable family members but don’t recognise themselves as carers. Ask yourself: Are you helping someone get dressed or move around? Managing their appointments? Doing their shopping? Checking in on them? If a family member, friend or neighbour relies on you for extra help with daily life, you are an unpaid carer – and support is available for you, too. Call 0118 926 3941 or email [email protected]