People with learning disabilities are more likely to experience mental health issues, yet they often face barriers in accessing the right care and support. Fortunately, many charities across the UK are dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate these challenges with dignity, compassion, and the tailored services they need.

Below is a list of UK charities and organisations that offer support, advice, and services for people with learning disabilities who are also affected by mental health conditions.

🔹 Mencap

Website: www.mencap.org.uk
Support Offered:

  • Advocacy for people with learning disabilities

  • Information and advice for families and carers

  • Campaigns for better mental health services

  • Community support programmes and housing

Why They Matter: Mencap is one of the UK’s leading voices for people with learning disabilities and plays an active role in highlighting mental health inequalities.

🔹 Respond

Website: www.respond.org.uk
Support Offered:

  • Specialist therapy for people with learning disabilities who’ve experienced trauma

  • Crisis intervention and long-term psychotherapy

  • Family support and training

  • Forensic services

Why They Matter: Respond focuses on the link between trauma and poor mental health in people with learning disabilities and autistic people.

🔹 Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities (FPLD) – part of the Mental Health Foundation

Website: www.learningdisabilities.org.uk
Support Offered:

  • Research and policy work

  • Mental health projects

  • Resources and toolkits for professionals and carers

  • Youth-focused programmes

Why They Matter: FPLD leads initiatives that shape better mental health outcomes through evidence-based projects.

🔹 Challenging Behaviour Foundation

Website: www.challengingbehaviour.org.uk
Support Offered:

  • Resources for families of people with learning disabilities and complex needs

  • Specialist guidance on behaviour linked to mental health

  • Training for professionals

Why They Matter: The charity provides invaluable help to families and carers struggling to understand and support behaviour that may stem from underlying mental distress.

🔹 Beyond Words

Website: www.booksbeyondwords.co.uk
Support Offered:

  • Picture-based books for people who find reading difficult

  • Resources on emotional wellbeing, grief, and trauma

  • Tools for professionals and families

Why They Matter: They provide accessible resources to help people with learning disabilities understand and talk about mental health topics.

🔹 SeeAbility

Website: www.seeability.org
Support Offered:

  • Eye care and vision support for people with learning disabilities

  • Holistic support including mental wellbeing

  • Supported living services

Why They Matter: Vision problems can go undetected and worsen mental health; SeeAbility connects physical and mental wellbeing support.

🔹 Ace Anglia (East of England-focused)

Website: www.aceanglia.com
Support Offered:

  • Peer advocacy

  • Easy-read resources on mental health and rights

  • Consultation projects giving people a voice

Why They Matter: They champion self-advocacy and coproduction, helping people with learning disabilities express their mental health needs.

🔹 Yellow Submarine (Oxfordshire)

Website: www.yellowsubmarine.org.uk
Support Offered:

  • Social clubs and respite care

  • Holiday and residential trips

  • Work experience and emotional support

Why They Matter: By helping people build friendships and confidence, Yellow Submarine supports better emotional wellbeing.

🔹 Thurrock & Brentwood Mind (Essex)

Website: www.tbmind.org.uk
Support Offered:

  • Mental health services adapted for people with additional needs

  • Group work, counselling, and advocacy

  • Partnership work with learning disability services

Why They Matter: They’re committed to breaking down the barriers people with dual diagnoses face in getting support.

💬 Looking for Help Right Now?

If you or someone you care about is in crisis or urgently needs mental health support, contact:

  • Samaritans: 116 123 (free, 24/7)

  • NHS 111 or your local Learning Disability Nurse

  • Emergency services: Call 999 if there’s immediate danger