What Leeds Mencap means to me as a student on placement

• 5th June 2026

Being on placement at Leeds Mencap has meant more to me than I can fully express. Not only has it been an incredible opportunity to understand how a charity operates behind the scenes, but it has also allowed me to... Read More...

A Year of Celebration and Thanks: The Lord Mayor's Charity Appeal

• 21st May 2026

What a year it’s been! It was a phone call in December 2024 which we didn’t quite believe at first- and one in which we were sworn to secrecy for the next few months! Cllr Dan Cohen rang to let... Read More...

The Vinery Centre's 10th Birthday

• 5th May 2026

Ten years ago, following a hugely successful fundraising campaign, The Vinery Centre opened its doors! The centre was purpose built to provide not only a base for Leeds Mencap services but also an accessible space for others to use, supporting... Read More...

Easter Activity Days

• 30th April 2026

Over 3 days in the Easter school holidays, 61 children and young people with learning disabilities, autism and other complex needs attended themed activity days. They made chocolate nests, took part in Easter themed crafts as well as having lots... Read More...

Bollywood Afternoon Tea fundraiser

• 23rd April 2026

The Civic Hall was the setting for an amazing Bollywood Afternoon Tea fundraising event, organised by Chiragi Solanki. The hugely popular event was held to raise funds for Leeds Mencap as the Lord Mayor's Charity of the Year. The Lord... Read More...

Winston Solicitors Annual Quiz

• 3rd April 2026

The annual Winston Solicitors Quiz was back for it 11th year, raising over £2700 for Leeds Mencap! The event brought together 18 teams, many of which attend year on year, highlighting this as a staple event in many people's calendars.... Read More...

Leeds Mencap Christmas Quiz 2025

• 17th December 2025

Our annual Christmas Quiz on the 4th December at Headrow House in Leeds was a huge success! We had around 60 quizzers, all of whom were very much up for a fun night out. There was a mix of familiar... Read More...

Wish 12- Leeds is an inclusive city for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities

• 17th December 2025

The Child Friendly Leeds 12 Wishes represent the voices of children and young people in Leeds. Here at Leeds Mencap, we support the CFL 12 Wishes and the campaign to raise awareness of these. Wish 12 says: "Leeds is an... Read More...

Leeds Mencap | The National Lottery Community Fund

• 9th December 2025

Leeds Mencap is delighted to share that we have been awarded a grant from The National Lottery Community Fund for our Siblings Group! Thanks to players of the National Lottery, we're able to continue delivering 'Sibs' for siblings of children... Read More...

Wish 11- Young people have access to a wide range of work experience, employment and volunteering opportunities

• 11th November 2025

The Child Friendly Leeds 12 Wishes represent the voices of children and young people in Leeds. Here at Leeds Mencap, we support the CFL 12 Wishes and the campaign to raise awareness of these. Wish 11 says: "Young people have... Read More...

Meet the Trustees!

• 6th November 2025

Trustees oversee everything a charity does. They ensure that their charity has a clear strategy, and that its work and goals are in line with its vision. A Trustee's role in a charity is to be the ‘guardians of purpose’, making... Read More...

Wish 10- Children and young people are in learning settings that meet their needs. 

• 23rd October 2025

The Child Friendly Leeds 12 Wishes represent the voices of children and young people in Leeds. Here at Leeds Mencap, we support the CFL 12 Wishes and the campaign to raise awareness of these. Wish 10 says: "Children and young... Read More...

Leeds Mencap | All Star Prizes

• 22nd October 2025

Our meeting room TV that was acting up so we put out a call for help and All Star Prizes answered in the most spectacular way—by donating a brand new TV! A massive thank you to the incredible team for... Read More...

Leeds Mencap | The National Lottery Community Fund

• 16th October 2025

Leeds Mencap is absolutely thrilled to share that we have received funding from The National Lottery Community Fund to support the delivery of our programme ‘There4Me’. Thanks to players of the National Lottery, we will be able to continue supporting... Read More...

Wish 9- Opportunities to take part in physical activity

• 24th September 2025

The Child Friendly Leeds 12 Wishes represent the voices of children and young people in Leeds. Here at Leeds Mencap, we support the CFL 12 Wishes and the campaign to raise awareness of these. Wish 9 says: "Children and young... Read More...

The Lord Mayor's Charity Golf Day 2025

• 4th September 2025

It may not have been the driest and sunniest of days but that didn't stop over 20 teams taking part in the Lord Mayor's Charity Golf Day and and raising funds for Leeds Mencap!A huge thank you to the main... Read More...

Wish 8- Reducing the impact of poverty

• 14th August 2025

The Child Friendly Leeds 12 Wishes represent the voices of children and young people in Leeds. Here at Leeds Mencap, we support the CFL 12 Wishes and the campaign to raise awareness of these. Wish 8 says: "Leeds is a... Read More...

Wish 7- Different things to do and places to go

• 6th August 2025

The Child Friendly Leeds 12 Wishes represent the voices of children and young people in Leeds. Here at Leeds Mencap, we support the CFL 12 Wishes and the campaign to raise awareness of these. Wish 7 says: “Children and young... Read More...

Volunteer Spotlight- Sue

• 6th August 2025

Marketing is something I have come to later in life, but it is something I have a real passion for. After many years working in administrative roles in the public sector including working for the NHS and Adult Social Care,... Read More...

Wish 6- Safe and Easy Travel

• 16th June 2025

The Child Friendly Leeds 12 Wishes represent the voices of children and young people in Leeds. Here at Leeds Mencap, we support the CFL 12 Wishes and the campaign to raise awareness of these. Wish 6 says: Children and young... Read More...

Lords Mayor's Charity Appeal 2025-2026

• 10th June 2025

We were thrilled to attend the recent inauguration of the new Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Dan Cohen.As his chosen charity, Leeds Mencap is excited to work alongside the Lord Mayor of Leeds to raise awareness of the work we... Read More...

Early Years SEND Inclusion Reception

• 10th June 2025

Staff from Jimbo's Community Nursery attended the Dingley's Promise's Early Years SEND Inclusion Reception at the House of Lords. The event shared key recommendations from Dingley's Promise for a vital policy change to improve access for children with SEND to... Read More...

Wish 5- Protecting the Environment

• 2nd June 2025

The Child Friendly Leeds 12 Wishes represent the voices of children and young people in Leeds. Leeds Mencap supports the CFL 12 Wishes and the campaign to raise awareness of these. Wish 5 says : 'Everyone takes more action to... Read More...

Leeds Mencap | Irwin Mitchell

• 20th May 2025

At Leeds Mencap, we’re proud to collaborate with organisations that share our values and our mission to support individuals with learning disabilities and their families. One of our most dedicated corporate partners is Irwin Mitchell, a leading UK-based law firm... Read More...

Leeds Half Marathon 2025

• 14th May 2025

On the 11th of May 2025, one of our volunteers, Millie, took on the Rob Burrow Leeds Half Marathon to raise money for Leeds Mencap. Here's what she had to say about her race. I first started running in January... Read More...

Wish 4 - Differences Are Celebrated

• 20th April 2025

The Child Friendly Leeds 12 Wishes represent the voices of children and young people in Leeds. Leeds Mencap supports the CFL 12 Wishes and the campaign to raise awareness of these. Wish 4 says : 'Differences are celebrated in Leeds... Read More...

Volunteer Spotlight- Amelia

• 2nd April 2025

My name is Amelia Ritchie, and I study English Literature with Film Studies at the University of Leeds! I’m in my second year, and I’m originally from a town in Greater Manchester. I wanted to volunteer for Leeds Mencap as... Read More...

Wish 3- youth voice

• 13th March 2025

The Child Friendly Leeds 12 Wishes represent the voices of children and young people in Leeds. Leeds Mencap supports the CFL 12 Wishes and the campaign to raise awareness of these. Wish 3 says 'Children and young people express their... Read More...

Wish 2- safe spaces

• 28th February 2025

The Child Friendly Leeds 12 Wishes represent the voices of children and young people in Leeds. Leeds Mencap supports the CFL 12 Wishes and the campaign to raise awareness of these. Wish 1 says ‘Children and young people have safe... Read More...

Wish 1- mental health and wellbeing

• 30th January 2025

The Child Friendly Leeds 12 Wishes represent the voices of children and young people in Leeds. Leeds Mencap supports the CFL 12 Wishes and the campaign to raise awareness of these. Wish 1 says ‘Children and young people know how... Read More...

Our Christmas Quiz!

• 30th December 2024

On the 5th December, we held our annual Christmas Quiz! The night consisted of five teams ready to go, with only one winner and a £50 bar tab – everyone wanted to win!  It was so lovely be able to... Read More...

The Allan Boffey Memorial Trophy

• 12th November 2024

The Allan Boffey Memorial Trophy is a fitting tribute to a man who didn't think twice about helping others. Family and friends of Allan get together annually to raise funds for a local charity. This year, the event supported Leeds... Read More...

Enhancing Sensory Experiences

• 17th October 2024

As we continue our series of blog posts this is an important one to kick off the new academic year! Here, at Leeds Mencap, we would like to say a big thank you to the Trustees of the Skipton Building... Read More...

Summer 24 Newsletter

• 10th September 2024

Well, summer is officially here, and although it's the school holidays, we have been busier than ever with our summer playscheme and healthy holidays taking place. It's been lovely to see all the children and young people enjoying activities at the... Read More...

Volunteer Spotlight- Millie

• 26th July 2024

This month, we've welcomed a new Marketing and Communications Volunteer to the team! 'Hi, my name is Millie Mangham. I am from a small town in the West Midlands called Shrewsbury.  I am currently going into my second year at... Read More...

Disability History Month

• 16th November 2023

By Orla Conway, November 16th to December 16th marks UK Disability History Month. Disability Month is a longstanding initiative created and led by disabled organisations. This month aims to create a platform to honour the historical challenges faced by disabled... Read More...

Inclusive Winter Activities

• 2nd November 2023

by Mia Stewart With the nights drawing in and the temperatures dropping, it’s time to get in the festive spirit! There are many winter activities across Leeds and many of them are suitable for those with additional needs! Christmas Family... Read More...

World Mental Health Day

• 9th October 2023

The 10th of October is World Mental Health Day. The Day is all about raising awareness of mental health and helping those to make positive changes for their mental health. Having a good mental health is very important as it... Read More...