ITV Cymru Wales & Mencap Cymru launch new partnership to break down barriers for people with a learning disability

by Huw John

ITV Cymru Wales and Mencap Cymru are pleased to have launched a brand-new partnership with the aim of helping to remove barriers to disabled people seeking to work in the TV and Broadcasting industry.

By working together, both organisations aim to raise better awareness amongst employers to ensure that people with a learning disability have greater access to employment opportunities.

As part of Learning Disability Week 2022, a special launch event was held in the Senedd on Tuesday 21st June where Mencap Cymru staff, members and people they support all across Wales came together with ITV Cymru Wales employees to celebrate the new partnership.

As part of the new partnership, ITV Cymru Wales recently hosted Media Training Days for people supported by Mencap Cymru and their local groups, all of whom have a learning disability. The Media Training days provided a behind the scenes experience of what goes on in the ITV Cymru Wales newsroom, and offered practical experience in presenting weather and news bulletins to camera.

Phil Henfrey, Head of News and Programmes for ITV Cymru Wales said:

“We are delighted to be launching this new partnership with Mencap Cymru, and by working together we want to ensure that people with a learning disability have an equal opportunity to succeed in a career in the creative industry.

“Public Service Broadcasters including ITV continue to bring significant benefits to society in a number of ways, and we hope that our new partnership will affirm ITV’s commitment in creating opportunities and improving diversity and career progression in TV and Broadcasting.”

Wayne Crocker, Director of Mencap Cymru said:

“This is a really exciting opportunity for people with a learning disability to develop confidence both in front and behind the camera. We’re really impressed with the passion and commitment of ITV Cymru Wales to make this partnership a success.”

Steffan Hopping, who took part in the training said:

“I really enjoyed taking part in the media training and learnt so much more about myself and working in the media. I’m looking forward to developing my skills and spending more time with ITV Cymru Wales”.