There are 2,045 people with a learning disability or autism living in inpatient units in England – many of whom are detained under the Mental Health Act.
On average, they remain in these hospital settings for just under five years.
The government has a longstanding promise to reduce the number of people with learning disabilities in inpatient units, prompted by the 2011 Winterbourne View abuse scandal.
But it has repeatedly failed to meet targets. The latest commitment was to reduce the number by 50% before March 2024, but Mencap estimates it will not meet this until 2030.
The charity is campaigning for ‘Homes not Hospitals’, calling for people with learning disabilities to be given the right support in the community.
Change is needed, and urgently. Families share their stories.
Emma and Ben
Ben was a resident of Winterbourne View care home, which was exposed for serious failings and abuse of people with learning disabilities 13 years ago. His younger sister Emma shares their family’s story now that Ben is living in the
