Mencap suspends support worker pictured in viral photo

Learning disability charity Mencap suspends one of its workers after they were pictured apparently showing a lack of care towards a wheelchair user.

THURSDAY 10 MARCH 2016

The image, which was shared on Facebook thousands of times, appears to show a Mencap support worker taking a cigarette break whilst standing next to a wheelchair user covered in shopping bags.

The wheelchair user had a learning disability and Mencap were keen to protect his identity.

The charity confirmed to Channel 4 News that they have suspended the support worker in question.

"We take the wellbeing of the people we support extremely seriously, and we expect and train our staff to deliver high quality care and support services. What we see here would fall well below that standard," said Steve Baker, Regional Director of Services at Mencap.

Facebook post

The photo was posted to Mencap's Facebook page and the accompanying caption claims that the image was taken in Leicester.

The charity were quick to respond to the post, saying that they "immediately took action" after seeing the image.

"We are appalled by what is happening in the picture. Our priority now, as always, is ensuring that we offer the highest quality of care to our beneficiaries so they live the lives they choose," said Mr Baker.