Jon Sparkes
@jonsparkes.bsky.social
Chief Executive of Mencap the national learning disability charity. All views expressed here are personal views.
Joint letter from Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Health & Social Care, and Ismail Kaji, Mencap’s Parliamentary and Government Engagement Officer (who himself has a learning disability) to everyone who works in a GP surgery.
www.mencap.org.uk/easyread/let...
www.mencap.org.uk/easyread/let...
Letter to GPs on the learning disability register and annual health checks
I am Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Social care means the services that give care and support to people who need it. . Easy read
www.mencap.org.uk
October 15, 2025 at 3:46 PM
Joint letter from Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Health & Social Care, and Ismail Kaji, Mencap’s Parliamentary and Government Engagement Officer (who himself has a learning disability) to everyone who works in a GP surgery.
www.mencap.org.uk/easyread/let...
www.mencap.org.uk/easyread/let...
September 27, 2025 at 9:01 PM
Good luck to our amazing Mencap Myth Buster, Ellie Goldstein, as she takes to the BBC Strictly dancefloor💃
#Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing #TeamEllie #MythBuster #LearningDisability
#Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing #TeamEllie #MythBuster #LearningDisability
September 19, 2025 at 6:38 PM
Reposted by Jon Sparkes
1/5 🚨 People with a learning disability are dying on average 20 years younger than those without. Almost 4 in 10 of these deaths are avoidable, caused by barriers to healthcare and lack of access to public health and prevention programmes.
#LeDeR #LearningDisability
#LeDeR #LearningDisability
September 10, 2025 at 2:48 PM
1/5 🚨 People with a learning disability are dying on average 20 years younger than those without. Almost 4 in 10 of these deaths are avoidable, caused by barriers to healthcare and lack of access to public health and prevention programmes.
#LeDeR #LearningDisability
#LeDeR #LearningDisability
Reposted by Jon Sparkes
Our 2024/25 Annual Report is available to read on our website.
Find out how Mencap has made progress over the last financial year and learn more about how we’ve used our funds to support people with a learning disability.
👉An Easy Read version is also available here brnw.ch/21wVstA
Find out how Mencap has made progress over the last financial year and learn more about how we’ve used our funds to support people with a learning disability.
👉An Easy Read version is also available here brnw.ch/21wVstA
Annual reports
brnw.ch
September 4, 2025 at 10:18 AM
Our 2024/25 Annual Report is available to read on our website.
Find out how Mencap has made progress over the last financial year and learn more about how we’ve used our funds to support people with a learning disability.
👉An Easy Read version is also available here brnw.ch/21wVstA
Find out how Mencap has made progress over the last financial year and learn more about how we’ve used our funds to support people with a learning disability.
👉An Easy Read version is also available here brnw.ch/21wVstA
Some minor improvements in this year's LeDeR report, but wholly unacceptable health inequality persists. There is no justification for people with a learning disability to be 3 times more likely to die from treatable conditions.
Acknowledged in the NHS 10 year plan, but we need to act with urgency.
Acknowledged in the NHS 10 year plan, but we need to act with urgency.
The LeDeR report is out and it shows people with a learning disability are still facing shocking health inequalities and dying 19.5 years younger than the general population. They are also 3 times more likely to die from treatable conditions.
Read the full statement brnw.ch/21wVphy
Read the full statement brnw.ch/21wVphy
September 2, 2025 at 6:56 PM
Some minor improvements in this year's LeDeR report, but wholly unacceptable health inequality persists. There is no justification for people with a learning disability to be 3 times more likely to die from treatable conditions.
Acknowledged in the NHS 10 year plan, but we need to act with urgency.
Acknowledged in the NHS 10 year plan, but we need to act with urgency.
Reposted by Jon Sparkes
Before recess, I joined @dcpcampaign.bsky.social & @letuslearntoo.bsky.social in Parliament for the launch of their #FightForOrdinary campaign.
I heard directly from families how our broken SEND system is failing their children. Any reform must put their voices at the centre. 👇
I heard directly from families how our broken SEND system is failing their children. Any reform must put their voices at the centre. 👇
August 5, 2025 at 10:33 AM
Before recess, I joined @dcpcampaign.bsky.social & @letuslearntoo.bsky.social in Parliament for the launch of their #FightForOrdinary campaign.
I heard directly from families how our broken SEND system is failing their children. Any reform must put their voices at the centre. 👇
I heard directly from families how our broken SEND system is failing their children. Any reform must put their voices at the centre. 👇
Reposted by Jon Sparkes
@janeharrislondon.bsky.social talked to @lbc.co.uk this morning about @dcpcampaign.bsky.social’s #FightForOrdinary campaign, highlighting what’s needed in any SEND reforms to ensure children and their families don’t have to fight for ordinary things that everyone should expect.
Listen now📻👇
Listen now📻👇
July 22, 2025 at 10:15 AM
@janeharrislondon.bsky.social talked to @lbc.co.uk this morning about @dcpcampaign.bsky.social’s #FightForOrdinary campaign, highlighting what’s needed in any SEND reforms to ensure children and their families don’t have to fight for ordinary things that everyone should expect.
Listen now📻👇
Listen now📻👇
Reposted by Jon Sparkes
July 25, 2025 at 7:48 AM
Such devastating news about the earthquake in Afghanistan. Relief and shelter needed urgently from @ukforunhcr.bsky.social, @unhcr.org
donate.unrefugees.org.uk/afghanistan-...
donate.unrefugees.org.uk/afghanistan-...
Donate to UK for UNHCR
Donate to UK for UNHCR to provide shelter, food, and protection to millions of refugees forced to flee war and persecution.
donate.unrefugees.org.uk
September 1, 2025 at 2:03 PM
Such devastating news about the earthquake in Afghanistan. Relief and shelter needed urgently from @ukforunhcr.bsky.social, @unhcr.org
donate.unrefugees.org.uk/afghanistan-...
donate.unrefugees.org.uk/afghanistan-...
Parents like Etta want a #SEND system that works.
There’s nothing ‘special’ about a SEND system that doesn’t feel like a battle to navigate.
#FightForOrdinary bit.ly/FightforOrdi...
There’s nothing ‘special’ about a SEND system that doesn’t feel like a battle to navigate.
#FightForOrdinary bit.ly/FightforOrdi...
Fight for Ordinary - Disabled Children's Partnership
bit.ly
August 29, 2025 at 12:26 PM
Parents like Etta want a #SEND system that works.
There’s nothing ‘special’ about a SEND system that doesn’t feel like a battle to navigate.
#FightForOrdinary bit.ly/FightforOrdi...
There’s nothing ‘special’ about a SEND system that doesn’t feel like a battle to navigate.
#FightForOrdinary bit.ly/FightforOrdi...
Concerned about the review of #SEND? Invite your MP to the @dcpcampaign.bsky.social and @letuslearntoo.bsky.social event
#FightForOrdinary is about legally-guaranteed support for children with additional needs. That really should not be too much to ask for
secure.mencap.org.uk/en-gb/invite...
#FightForOrdinary is about legally-guaranteed support for children with additional needs. That really should not be too much to ask for
secure.mencap.org.uk/en-gb/invite...
Invite your MP to the Fight For Ordinary September drop-in!
The Disabled Children's Partnership and Let Us Learn Too will be hosting an event in Parliament on Monday 15th September 2025. As part of the Fight For Ordinary campaign, we will be bringing MPs toget...
secure.mencap.org.uk
August 29, 2025 at 12:16 PM
Concerned about the review of #SEND? Invite your MP to the @dcpcampaign.bsky.social and @letuslearntoo.bsky.social event
#FightForOrdinary is about legally-guaranteed support for children with additional needs. That really should not be too much to ask for
secure.mencap.org.uk/en-gb/invite...
#FightForOrdinary is about legally-guaranteed support for children with additional needs. That really should not be too much to ask for
secure.mencap.org.uk/en-gb/invite...
Reposted by Jon Sparkes
Tune in to LBC this morning! 📻
Our CEO, Jane Harris, speaks for Disabled Children's Partnership about a shocking report claiming neurodivergence is overdiagnosed — and suggesting EHCPs be limited to special schools. 😠
Removing plans won’t remove children’s needs.
#FightForOrdinary?
Our CEO, Jane Harris, speaks for Disabled Children's Partnership about a shocking report claiming neurodivergence is overdiagnosed — and suggesting EHCPs be limited to special schools. 😠
Removing plans won’t remove children’s needs.
#FightForOrdinary?
LBC UK - Listen Live | Global Player
Leading Britain's Conversation. Access your favourite LBC shows now!
www.globalplayer.com
August 28, 2025 at 5:02 AM
Tune in to LBC this morning! 📻
Our CEO, Jane Harris, speaks for Disabled Children's Partnership about a shocking report claiming neurodivergence is overdiagnosed — and suggesting EHCPs be limited to special schools. 😠
Removing plans won’t remove children’s needs.
#FightForOrdinary?
Our CEO, Jane Harris, speaks for Disabled Children's Partnership about a shocking report claiming neurodivergence is overdiagnosed — and suggesting EHCPs be limited to special schools. 😠
Removing plans won’t remove children’s needs.
#FightForOrdinary?
Important research from @mencap.org.uk on the experience people with a learning disability have of public transport lays bare one of the major barriers people with a learning disability face to inclusion, and sets out what we can do about it.
www.mencap.org.uk/learning-dis...
#NoJourneyLeftBehind
www.mencap.org.uk/learning-dis...
#NoJourneyLeftBehind
The Big Public Transport Survey
www.mencap.org.uk
August 27, 2025 at 4:15 PM
Important research from @mencap.org.uk on the experience people with a learning disability have of public transport lays bare one of the major barriers people with a learning disability face to inclusion, and sets out what we can do about it.
www.mencap.org.uk/learning-dis...
#NoJourneyLeftBehind
www.mencap.org.uk/learning-dis...
#NoJourneyLeftBehind
Fuel poverty gap doubles in five years with energy prices still rising. People with a #learningdisability simply must be protected from ever increasing energy costs, or they face being pushed into fuel poverty, unable to stay safe, warm and healthy.
metro.co.uk/2025/08/27/d...
metro.co.uk/2025/08/27/d...
Devastating 'fuel poverty gap' doubles in five years with energy prices still ri
'The government must act with urgency to close the devastating gap in support and tackle this crisis.'
metro.co.uk
August 27, 2025 at 7:33 AM
Fuel poverty gap doubles in five years with energy prices still rising. People with a #learningdisability simply must be protected from ever increasing energy costs, or they face being pushed into fuel poverty, unable to stay safe, warm and healthy.
metro.co.uk/2025/08/27/d...
metro.co.uk/2025/08/27/d...
Great to see @toddles23.bsky.social appointed to Chair the Independent Disability Advisory Panel. A strong appointment and a good sign that the government intends to listen properly to the voices of disabled people.
www.learningdisabilitytoday.co.uk/news/zara-to...
www.learningdisabilitytoday.co.uk/news/zara-to...
Zara Todd chairs new Government panel for disability - Learning Disability Today
Disability rights consultant Zara Todd has been appointed to head the Government's new Independent Disability Advisory Panel, which will focus on health and disability policy.
www.learningdisabilitytoday.co.uk
August 26, 2025 at 10:32 AM
Great to see @toddles23.bsky.social appointed to Chair the Independent Disability Advisory Panel. A strong appointment and a good sign that the government intends to listen properly to the voices of disabled people.
www.learningdisabilitytoday.co.uk/news/zara-to...
www.learningdisabilitytoday.co.uk/news/zara-to...
Great news, @mencap.org.uk Ambassador and Myth Buster Ellie Goldstein confirmed for Strictly!
www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/...
www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/...
Ellie Goldstein is the ninth celebrity contestant announced for Strictly Come Dancing 2025
The model and actor will enter the famous ballroom when Strictly returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer this September
www.bbc.co.uk
August 13, 2025 at 8:12 AM
Great news, @mencap.org.uk Ambassador and Myth Buster Ellie Goldstein confirmed for Strictly!
www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/...
www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/...
So pleased that Disability Minister, Stephen Timms MP was able to join @mencap.org.uk on-site at Yusen Logistics to meet Jimmy, one of our supported interns.
Yet another great example of an inclusive employer matched with a supported intern with a learning disability thriving in the workplace.
Yet another great example of an inclusive employer matched with a supported intern with a learning disability thriving in the workplace.
August 12, 2025 at 7:11 PM
So pleased that Disability Minister, Stephen Timms MP was able to join @mencap.org.uk on-site at Yusen Logistics to meet Jimmy, one of our supported interns.
Yet another great example of an inclusive employer matched with a supported intern with a learning disability thriving in the workplace.
Yet another great example of an inclusive employer matched with a supported intern with a learning disability thriving in the workplace.
Reposted by Jon Sparkes
📢 New ONS figures show the employment rate for disabled people remains far lower than for non disabled people.
August 12, 2025 at 11:55 AM
📢 New ONS figures show the employment rate for disabled people remains far lower than for non disabled people.
Such exciting news, @mencap.org.uk Ambassador and Myth Buster, the model and actor Ellie Goldstein set to be on Strictly!
Model Ellie Goldstein has reportedly signed up for Strictly Come Dancing and will be taking to the dancefloor in front of judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Anton Du Beke and Motsi Mabuse
Strictly Come Dancing 'signs huge star after breaking down barriers'
Model Ellie Goldstein has reportedly signed up for Strictly Come Dancing and will be taking to the dancefloor in front of judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Anton Du Beke and Motsi Mabuse
www.bristolpost.co.uk
August 4, 2025 at 1:49 PM
Such exciting news, @mencap.org.uk Ambassador and Myth Buster, the model and actor Ellie Goldstein set to be on Strictly!
Fantastic news, Ruby got a job at @greeneking.bsky.social after her supported internship and work placement through @mencap.org.uk training academy. We're addressing the disability employment gap person by person, employer by employer.
July 31, 2025 at 5:42 PM
Fantastic news, Ruby got a job at @greeneking.bsky.social after her supported internship and work placement through @mencap.org.uk training academy. We're addressing the disability employment gap person by person, employer by employer.
Reposted by Jon Sparkes
📣 The LeDeR report is delayed and we urge the government to treat this with urgency it deserves and release the critical report.
The LeDeR report looks into the failings of the healthcare system to provide the care people with a learning disability deserve.
The LeDeR report looks into the failings of the healthcare system to provide the care people with a learning disability deserve.
July 29, 2025 at 4:00 PM
📣 The LeDeR report is delayed and we urge the government to treat this with urgency it deserves and release the critical report.
The LeDeR report looks into the failings of the healthcare system to provide the care people with a learning disability deserve.
The LeDeR report looks into the failings of the healthcare system to provide the care people with a learning disability deserve.
Reposted by Jon Sparkes
@mencap.org.uk CEO @jonsparkes.bsky.social discusses his first year leading the charity, services closing as costs rise and inclusion of people with learning disabilities
Jon Sparkes: ‘Lived experience is almost a prerequisite for some roles’
Mencap’s CEO discusses his first year leading the charity, services closing as costs rise and inclusion of people with learning disabilities…
www.civilsociety.co.uk
July 25, 2025 at 12:27 PM
@mencap.org.uk CEO @jonsparkes.bsky.social discusses his first year leading the charity, services closing as costs rise and inclusion of people with learning disabilities