There are an estimated 1.5 million people across the UK who have a learning disability. Going through the regular school system isn't always a pleasant experience. Local charities like Nottingham Mencap offer further education and support. Denise is a basic skills tutor at Nottingham Mencap's centre house on Chapel Bar. She explains the term 'learning disabilities'.
 | | Denise - basic skills tutor |
"People with a learning disability often have what I call a spiky profile. They may be good at reading, but may not be able to write a letter. They may be good at holding a conversation but may not be able to read. But we never assume." A place to learnSharon is from Gedling. She comes to Nottingham Mencap five times a week to work as a volunteer in the centre's charity shop. Alongside the charity shop Nottingham Mencap also has a restaurant. Both are open to the public and give people like Sharon the chance to gain real world experience in catering and retail. Talking of her experience Sharon says that since coming to Nottingham Mencap her confidence has improved massively. Tom is from Aspley. He brought his lucky San Francisco 49ers cap along to a session at the centre. He considers it special.
 | | Tom with his hat |
"I wear this to my football tournaments", Tom told us, "When I've worn it we've only lost one match." Tom takes part in life skills and IT training at Mencap and is studying for his CLAIT certificate to help him get back into work. Tom like many of the other students chose to come to Nottingham Mencap rather than attend a mainstream college. "I'm claustrophobic. I have these panic attacks if I go near a small room and there's loads of people inside." The school system
 | | Becky in the kitchen |
Social situations like this can often be difficult or frightening for people with learning disabilities. Tom and many of the other students have spent time in mainstream schools; although he enjoyed his time there, school is an experience that is often quite hard for people with learning disabilities. Matthew, from Strelley, and Becky, from Wollaton, also attend Nottingham Mencap and both went to school in Nottingham. Talking of his school experience Matthew described it as being 'horrible' and Becky felt that in school no one understood her and thought that she was weird. Sharon says that she felt punished for having a learning disability when attending school. "I used to run home".
 | | Sharon at the till |
Sharon is very vocal about her experiences. During her time at school and beyond she has often been referred to as 'mentally disabled'. This for people with learning disabilities is a misleading and offensive term. It also carries a very negative connotation of what it means to have a learning disability. Sharon hates this term and speaks of how she has fought alongside her parents to change the way she is recognised. A passionate speaker, Sharon tells us that Nottingham Mencap have been instrumental in helping to provide the support that she needs. Bright futuresSharon is clearly a very confident woman and with the help of Nottingham Mencap and her support worker is looking forward to moving into her own flat very soon.
 | | David and Ben |
Sharon is not the only member of the group who is looking to the future. Becky who works in Nottingham Mencap's restaurant says that when she leaves the centre she would like to continue working in catering - but not in MacDonalds - while Tom is hoping to get back to work with the help of his new qualifications. Getting into work does pose problems for adults with learning disabilities as it can often affect their benefits. Denise explained that for many of the students "working part time is often the best solution". David from Carrington works part time in his local pub when he's not coming to Nottingham Mencap or out walking his dog Ben. To find out more about Nottingham Mencap and the services they offer… On the following pages read people with learning difficulties tell us about their own lives in the city and county in which they live. | 
