Small but meaningful – Columnist, Ciara Lawrence

Growing up with a learning disability, I was often told I wouldn’t achieve anything but after 23 years working at Mencap, I’ve felt the power of small …

I’m happy to speak out about my life – but don’t assume all disabled people are the same.

Columnist - Ciara Lawrence In late September, the Government launched a brand-new campaign, ‘Ask, Don’t Assume’, encouraging people to talk to disa…

 Just 5% of people with a learning disability are in employment. Every time I read this statistic, I’m reminded of how lucky I am to have a job that I really like – and it’s only getting better!

I’ve just moved back into the Communications, Advocacy and Activism Directorate team at Mencap. I’ll be helping the team think about how they can enga…

Columnist – Ciara Lawrence

It’s brilliant to have time out with the people you love. As summer gets underway, I’ve been looking forward to going away on my holidays. Summer h…

Mencap want the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

During Mencap’s 75th anniversary year in 2021, our new five-year strategy, the ‘Big Plan’, was launched. Ultimately, Mencap want the UK to be the best…

Columnist – Ciara Lawrence

Mencap’s Treat Me Well campaign began in February 2018 and aims to transform how the NHS treats people with a learning disability. The campaign is cal…

Ciara Lawrence – Columnist

With the start of the New Year, it’s important to think about what we want in the 12 months ahead. For many people, January is a fresh chance to focus…

Columnist Ciara Lawrence – Babies

I come from a very close family, which has always been the most important thing to me. Starting my own family is something I’ve thought about and I’ve…

Columnist Ciara Lawrence – Sex and Relationships

It all started for me when I was 10 years old. I was a flower girl at my cousin’s wedding and I saw the love between her and her husband. I felt like …

Columnist Ciara Lawrence: It’s cool to be different

For so long I was just watching the world pass me by. From a really young age I just felt like no one understood me, except for my close family, aka m…

Columnist Ciara Lawrence: How I got here

I am 39 years old and I work as a campaigns support officer at learning disability charity, Mencap. I have a husband, a hamster and I’m a Kylie Minogu…