Every year Mencap hold Learning Disability Week so more people can understand what life is like if you have a learning disability. They also want to encourage those with a learning disability to share their experiences.

This year, Mencap wanted to show how people with a learning disability are reconnecting with friends and their communities, following the lockdowns to help prevent the spread of COVID. They also want to make people aware about the issues many people are still facing after these restrictions have ended. This could include still having to isolate, or dealing with poor mental health and anxiety.

Some of our young people have kindly shared some of their experiences with lockdown. Sarah told us how halow supported her, and how she is helping others who may feel anxious sometimes.

What did you find difficult when you had to stay at home?
When it was lockdown I had to go home to my mums house for 3 months away from my support living home. I found it really hard because I was used to seeing friends and being with my house mates. I felt stressed and strange. Staying at home was really hard because I was used to going to A Reason To Get Up every week, out with my house mates and support living houses, and with my friends to the pub.

What ways did you keep in contact with your friends during this time?
I found it hard because I couldn’t see them. Zoom really hard because when everyone talked at once I couldn’t hear anyone else. I did message my friends on Facebook and WhatsApp &

How did halow help with keeping in touch with friends?
halow helped because they did 'halow at home' group on Facebook. I really liked that as I could see pictures of what my friends been up to and I can message them, and did activities at home on zoom.

What did it feel like when you were able to see your friends in person again?
It felt a bit strange seeing my friends again because I just see there heads and not whole body on zoom. It was really nice to see my friends again I missed them so much.

What have you been enjoying doing with your friends after having to stay at home?
I have enjoyed meeting them going around town, and doing fit club and art and social activities with them, and having lunch out and drinks and bowling again.

Do you sometimes feel nervous about being in your community?
Yes I was really nervous because I was really worried I could get COVID. Wearing a mask all the time meant my glasses were steaming up and I couldn’t see. Also going near lots of people.

What do you do to help calm down those feelings?
halow have helped me they said it’s ok just take your mask down a bit, breathe in and out slowly, and turn away from people when you do it. It really helped me and my glasses became less steamed up.

Does halow do anything to help you feel less nervous?
Yes they helped me breathe slowly and take step at a time not to panic and it’s ok to take your mask off just bit just to calm down.

How do you help others who may feel nervous about being out in the community again?
I will say take it slow when coming back into the community. When you can’t breathe in panic just stop take big breathes in and out slowly and you will be fine.

Tom said that he found it difficult not being able to do the things he likes and see people, but was relieved when he could go out again and is enjoying being able to chat and see his friends.

Adam shared how he kept up with friends during lockdown, and what kind of activities he is enjoying being able to do again.

What did you find difficult when you had to stay at home?
It was hard not being able to go out, attend activities and stick to my usual routines. I was worried that I would not be able to finish my year at Building Futures.

What ways did you keep in contact with your friends during this time?
I kept in touch with my friends through Facebook, texting them on my phone and writing letters and sending cards to my friends. Yes halow was a great help because it provided many activities and opportunities to see and chat via Zoom calls like Social Activities catch-up, discos, exercise and art classes. I was also able to finish my year at Building Futures on Zoom so I saw my group most days and it gave me structure to my day and made me feel less lonely.

What did it feel like when you were able to see your friends in person again?
It was exciting and not so nerve-wracking.

What have you been enjoying doing with your friends after having to stay at home?
I have enjoyed getting back to face-to-face activities at last with A Reason To Get Up and Social Activities.

Do you sometimes feel nervous about being in your community?
Yes often. I am worried about self-distancing and people getting too close to me. I still like to wear a mask. I try to avoid crowds. If I am nervous I stand away and play my Ipod. halow are advising us to stick to the rules and be careful.

How do you help others who may feel nervous about being out in the community again?
I remind them to keep their distance.