Mencap

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Mencap is a UK charity that works with people with learning disabilities.

Established by Judy Fryd in 1946 as The National Association of Parents of Backward Children, the organization changed its name to The National Society for Mentally Handicapped Children in 1955, finally shortening the name to "Mencap" (presumably from Mentally Handicapped) in 1969.^[1] The official title of the charity is the Royal Mencap Society, following patronage from the Queen Mother and Queen Elizabeth the Second.

Mencap is the UK's leading learning disability charity working with people with a learning disability and their families and caregivers. Mencap works collaboratively, fighting for equal rights, campaigning for greater opportunities and challenging attitudes and prejudice.

Mencap provides advice and support to meet people's needs throughout their lives, as an individual membership organisation with a local network of more than 450 affiliated groups. Mencap's work is membership-driven.

Mencap provides help and support through supported living, supported employment, respite services, organised activities, systemic and individual advocacy, and outreach support.

Since 1980 the actor Brian Rix has represented the charity in a number of positions, including Secretary-General, Chairman and latterly President.