As part of the Diversity in Dialogue project, Mandy Boulton and Seaun Galletley have come to Brussels to see how the European Union works and to learn more about the political process here. They have spent the afternoon with Plaid Cymru the Party of Wales Euro MPs Jill Evans and Eurig Wyn.

The Diversity in Dialogue project has been set up to encourage people with a learning disability to become more politically aware and active, and this visit is the first of several anticipated for 2004. The project is made up of people from Wales, Portugal, Denmark and Ireland and is the first of its kind.

Speaking from Brussels, Jill Evans said:

“It’s been a pleasure to welcome Seaun and Mandy to my office today, and I’ve been glad of the opportunity to show them the Parliament and how I work as an MEP for Wales. Projects like Diversity in Dialogue are essential if we are to ensure that people with learning difficulties are able to learn about the EU and are empowered to play their role in it.

Mandy and Seaun have seen and helped with what goes on in an MEP’s office - drafting this press release for example - toured the Parliament and attended a committee meeting."

Mandy Boulton said:

“This is an opportunity of a lifetime - no one else I know has come to the European Parliament and it’s been an interesting day and a new experience. I feel a lot more confident about Europe now”.

Seaun Galletley added:

“I’ve been surprised at how busy the Parliament is and how many people work here. It is a wonderful opportunity for people from different countries to speak out. I enjoyed going to a committee meeting where there were people speaking in lots of different languages - French, English and Portuguese”.

NOTES:

For more details about MENCAP and the Diversity in Dialogue project - contact the Wales Learning Disability helpline number on: 0808 8000 300

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