Mencap points to access barriers

A lot more could be done to help young people with learning difficulties access arts activities, according to a new report by charity Mencap, summarising the outcome of its consultation on youth arts and leisure provision. The findings reveal that these young people would welcome the opportunity to visit a greater range of arts facilities, but face more significant barriers to involvement than other young people. The biggest of these was found to be money, and Mencap recommends better concessions for essential carers as one of the keys to improving access. The report notes that only 24% of venues in their sample offered a concessions scheme for carers, and of those, only 43% were for carers to go free. Other barriers include transport, getting support from understanding staff at venues outside school hours, and being dependent on others to develop their interests and skills. The report also urges arts organisations to introduce befriending schemes to support young people with a learning disability.

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