NATIONAL learning disability charity Mencap has launched a new advocacy service in Wiltshire.

The launch of the service, Empower Me, comes amid a surge in inquiries from people with a learning disability looking for support services.

Mencap Direct, the charity’s national telephone service, saw calls rise by 67 per cent in January, compared to December 2011.

It is estimated there are 8,952 people with a learning disability in the county.

Recent reforms to welfare benefits, cuts to local services and the introduction of personal budgets may leave many people with a learning disability anxious about what affect these changes will have on their life.

Empower Me is designed to provide people with a learning disability with information to help them understand their rights and to secure their entitlements. Mencap advocates will help them speak up and will give them support to make informed choices.

Mencap operation director Simon Parkinson said: “Empower Me will help to ensure people with a learning disability in Wiltshire get the best possible support to become more involved in decisions that affect their lives.”

Visit www.mencapdirect.org.uk or call 0300 333 1111.