Mencap launches Mencap Direct

Learning disability charity, Mencap, has today announced the launch of a new national telephone service - Mencap Direct 0300 333 11 11. This is a new service which makes it easy for people with a learning disability, and those who support them, to find and buy the services they need from Mencap. The supporting website www.mencapdirect.org.uk allows people to find services in their area by a postcode search.

Increasing numbers of people choose to use an individual budget to purchase their support and, for some, finding the right service can be a complex process. Mencap Direct is designed to provide people with a learning disability and those who support them, a single, personal point of contact to provide guidance and support for people wishing to find out more about the Mencap services in their local area.

Whether the caller wants to know about support at home, assistance with finding and maintaining a job, or employing their own personal support worker, the team at Mencap Direct provides detailed information about Mencap services in their area that will meet their needs. Mencap co-ordinators will then stay in regular contact to design the right service and support for each individual.

Jan Tregelles, Mencap's director of personal support, commented: "Individual budgets are empowering people with a learning disability across the country to live more independent lives. For some people finding services can be daunting. Mencap Direct will help people with a learning disability and their families to find services they need for themselves and take control over their own lives."