We are your local Mencap Newhaven, Lewes & District
While we provide hall hire in Newhaven for local groups and organisations, our primary focus is on supporting our Mencap members from the surrounding communities.
Everything we do is about valuing and supporting people with a learning disability, and their families and carers.
Our vision is for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.
To find out more about joining our club, click here for more information and details on how to become a member!
What is a learning disability?
To understand learning disability it is important to firstly understand what a disability is. A person with a learning disability has an impairment which developed before, during or shortly after birth.
This limits their ability to learn, understand or communicate, and restricts their ability to participate and be involved in everyday life situations. They may also have a physical or sensory disability or a mental health problem too.
There are many different kinds of learning disability requiring different levels of support. Some people may need occasional support with things like completing forms, managing money, using public transport or having a job. Some may need support with everyday things like getting dressed, shopping or help to live more independently. While others with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) need full-time support with every aspect of their lives.
It is important to think about a person with a learning disability as an individual first. Like everyone else in society a person with a learning disability has individual needs, dreams, rights and responsibilities. It is not helpful to think of a person with a learning disability as part of a group of people who sit outside of mainstream society.
What is it that you do?
Mencap Newhaven, Lewes & District is a UK-based charity that supports people with learning disabilities. We focus on a wide range of learning difficulties and conditions, including:
Down’s Syndrome – A genetic condition that affects physical and intellectual development.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) – A developmental condition that impacts social interaction, communication, and behavior.
Dyslexia – A learning difficulty that affects reading and spelling abilities.
Dyspraxia – A condition affecting coordination and motor skills.
Global Developmental Delay (GDD) – A term used when a child takes longer to reach developmental milestones in areas like speech, movement, or thinking.
Fragile X Syndrome – A genetic condition that causes intellectual disability, particularly in males.
Cerebral Palsy – A group of disorders affecting movement and muscle tone, often caused by brain injury before or during birth.
Prader-Willi Syndrome – A genetic disorder that causes developmental delays, intellectual disabilities, and problems with hunger regulation.
They also support individuals with a variety of other intellectual and developmental conditions, providing advocacy, care, and resources to help individuals live fuller, more independent lives.
Conditions associated with our members
Down’s Syndrome: Down’s syndrome is a genetic condition caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21. This extra genetic material results in intellectual disabilities and characteristic physical traits such as a flat facial profile, almond-shaped eyes, and a short neck. People with Down’s syndrome typically experience developmental delays, but with the right support, they can lead fulfilling lives. The severity of these challenges varies, but most individuals will need help with speech, language development, and daily tasks like dressing and bathing.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Autism Spectrum Disorder refers to a group of neurodevelopmental conditions that affect how a person communicates, interacts with others, and experiences the world. The term “spectrum” reflects the wide range of abilities and challenges that individuals with ASD may experience. Some may have exceptional skills in specific areas (e.g., mathematics, music), while others may require significant support. Common signs include difficulties with social interactions, repetitive behaviors, and intense interests in certain topics. People with ASD often experience sensory sensitivities as well.
Dyslexia: Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty that affects the ability to read and spell. It’s not related to intelligence, but rather to how the brain processes written and spoken language. Individuals with dyslexia might have difficulty decoding words, recognizing words quickly, or processing sounds and letters. This can make reading fluently and writing accurately more challenging. However, with appropriate strategies and accommodations (such as audiobooks, extra time on tests, or specialized reading instruction), people with dyslexia can succeed academically and professionally.
Dyspraxia: Dyspraxia, also known as Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), affects physical coordination. It can make tasks like handwriting, tying shoelaces, or using utensils challenging. People with dyspraxia often struggle with fine motor skills (e.g., writing, buttoning a shirt) and gross motor skills (e.g., running, catching a ball). It can also affect speech, memory, and organizational abilities. Dyspraxia doesn’t affect intelligence, but the physical and coordination challenges can sometimes lead to frustration and self-esteem issues. Occupational therapy and specific motor coordination exercises can help individuals manage dyspraxia.
Global Developmental Delay (GDD): Global Developmental Delay is a term used to describe a condition in which a child’s development is delayed in multiple areas—such as speech, motor skills, social skills, or cognitive abilities—compared to typically developing peers. Children with GDD may take longer to reach developmental milestones like sitting up, walking, or speaking. It can occur for many reasons, such as genetic conditions, brain injury, or other developmental disorders. With early intervention and support, children with GDD can make progress in their development, although the extent of the delay can vary widely.
Fragile X Syndrome: Fragile X syndrome is a genetic disorder that causes intellectual disabilities, particularly in males. It’s caused by a mutation in the FMR1 gene, which affects the development of the brain. In addition to intellectual disability, people with Fragile X syndrome may also experience social anxiety, repetitive behaviors (such as hand-flapping), and hyperactivity. Females with the condition may have milder symptoms due to the presence of a second, healthy X chromosome. Individuals with Fragile X may benefit from specialized teaching methods, behavioral therapy, and support with social skills.
Cerebral Palsy (CP): Cerebral Palsy is a group of conditions caused by abnormal brain development or damage to the brain that affects movement and muscle coordination. It is often identified in infancy or early childhood and can vary from mild to severe. CP can result in muscle stiffness (spasticity), uncontrolled movements, or difficulties with balance and posture. In some cases, it can also affect speech, vision, and cognitive abilities. Treatment typically involves physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and sometimes surgery or medication to manage symptoms and improve mobility.
Prader-Willi Syndrome: Prader-Willi Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder caused by the loss of function of specific genes on chromosome 15. People with this syndrome often have intellectual disabilities, behavioral problems (such as temper tantrums and obsessive-compulsive tendencies), and a constant feeling of hunger, which can lead to overeating and obesity. Early intervention, a strict and carefully monitored diet, and therapy can help manage the condition and prevent complications. People with Prader-Willi syndrome benefit from support in areas like communication, social skills, and emotional regulation.
Each of these conditions presents unique challenges, but with tailored support and interventions, individuals can thrive and lead rich, meaningful lives. The focus on early diagnosis and intervention is crucial for improving outcomes.