Learning disability charity Mencap has launched its new national campaign, “I’m In”, to tackle health inequalities faced by people with a learning disability. There are around 1.5 million people with a learning disability in the UK, and the campaign aims to increase the numbers of people on the GP Learning Disability Register by 50% – from around 340,000 to 500,000 – ensuring thousands more receive vital annual health checks and reasonable adjustments.
People with a learning disability are dying on average nearly 20 years younger than the general population, and almost two in five deaths are avoidable. Being on the Learning Disability Register is a crucial step to better healthcare, including free annual health checks, flu vaccinations, and tailored support.
What is the Learning Disability Register?
The Learning Disability Register is a list held by GP surgeries to help make sure that people with a learning disability receive the right healthcare and support.
It’s a confidential list of people with a learning disability at their local GP surgery. It helps healthcare professionals identify individuals who need extra support, ensuring they have access to annual health checks, vaccinations, and reasonable adjustments.
Who is eligible?
Anyone of any age, with any level of learning disability, can be added to the Learning disability register. A formal diagnosis is not needed. Your GP might ask about how your learning disability affects your everyday life. It may be helpful to understand what extra support you had/have at school (like an EHCP), any support you receive with day-to-day things, or things you find hard about going to the doctor’s surgery.
The Learning Disability Register: Are you in?
Mencap has created an online tool to help you generate a letter for your GP in minutes. Once signed up, you can request the healthcare you deserve – and even receive a free I’m In badge to celebrate taking part.
Why it matters:
- People aged 14+ on the register are entitled to a free annual health check.
- GP surgeries can make reasonable adjustments to appointments and care.
- Better data means better campaigning for improved health outcomes.
Jon Sparkes OBE, Chief Executive of Mencap, said: “Too many people with a learning disability are missing out on essential healthcare.
“The Learning Disability Register is a simple but powerful tool to change that. So, if you have a learning disability, join the thousands of others saying ‘I’m In’, and help close the health gap.
“We’ve made it quicker and easier to join the learning disability register – use our website to quickly make a letter for your GP.”
Thanks to funding from Omaze UK, Mencap is working to make joining the register easier than ever. The campaign will engage people with a learning disability, families, carers, GPs, and support organisations nationwide.
Find out more and join the campaign on the Mencap website or email campaigns@mencap.org.uk. Mencap has also made an Easy Read about its “I’m In” campaign.