Leeds Mencap Services Update 4/11/20

4th November 2020

Based on the guidance that is currently available from the Government about the restrictions that are likely to come into force on 5th November we have taken the following decisions about services:

· Hawthorn playroom sessions will continue to run for current families.

· Tuesday and Thursday Youth Clubs, Siblings Club and Friday Club will all close and staff will run alternative activities.

· Jimbo’s Community Nursery including after school club will remain open as usual.

· The Community Hub project is still running with partner organisations to make sure that people who are in extreme hardship are getting the support they need.

· Groups that use the Vinery Centre for activities will be able to continue to do so providing the activity fits within government guidance.

We will consider each booking on a case by case basis.

We will be in touch again towards the end of the lockdown period once it is clear from the government how restrictions will be eased.

If you have questions please contact us on info@leedsmencap.org.uk

For all the up to date guidance from the Government please go to https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

We look forward to seeing you all as soon as possible. Take care of yourselves and each other.

Thank you

Cath Lee, Chief Executive

If you have questions please contact us on info@leedsmencap.org.uk

Leeds Mencap are featured in New Digital Inclusion Video from ALaDDIN

22nd October 2020

Learning disability and autism services from across Leeds have joined together to promote digital inclusion, and have released a new video showcasing the opportunities for people to interact online in all sorts of creative ways, Leeds Mencap were delighted to contribute to this.

The Autism & Learning Disability Digital Inclusion Network (‘ALaDDIN’) has been formed through the coming together of 20 third-sector organisations in the city to improve digital inclusion and participation for people with autism or learning disabilities, supporting the ambition to make Leeds the most digitally inclusive city for everyone.

ALaDDIN’s new short film is released today [19^th Oct 2020] to coincide with Get Online Week (19-25 Oct), a campaign by Good Things Foundation.  The film is a fun and vibrant whistle-stop tour of local third-sector organisations, showcasing how each has responded creatively to the pandemic by supporting their members to get online and take part in a wide range of activities.

Jez Coram, Development Worker (Learning Disabilities) at Forum Central explained, “as Day Services and Opportunities for people with learning disabilities and autistic people have been restricted or closed due to Covid-19, it is critical that there is a digital day service offer until face to face services can resume in full again.  The challenge is addressing the digital divide that was present for people with learning disabilities and autistic people before Covid-19. There is brilliant digital inclusion work happening across third sector organisations in Leeds, helping to maintain the physical and mental wellbeing of the people they support. ALaDDIN is crucial in addressing the digital divide and co-ordinating the third sector’s digital inclusion response.”

ALaDDIN member People in Action created online social groups and Stay Active sessions very soon into lockdown, recognising how much members would miss contact with the organisation, and their friends.  A lot of members now see the online sessions as an integral part of their weekly schedule – even those that have gone back to work/college etc still tune in when they’re at home.  A parent commented, “I just wanted to say a massive thank you to you all for all your activities on Zoom. It’s been a life saver for [our daughter]. She loves all the activities and really enjoys the screen interaction.”

Pete Hughes from Leeds Autism Services praised their service users, staff and family carers, saying “when the first national lockdown came into force, we very suddenly lost face-to-face contact with the vast majority of people we support, almost overnight.  Along with many other services in the city we had to adapt very quickly to keep in touch with people, and make sure they were able to get the support they need.  It has been a credit to the people we support, their families, and our staff to see how quickly they’ve adapted to new ways of working.  There has been a lots of trial and error, plenty of laughs, and a few tears along the way, but getting people online has been worth every bit of hard work.”

The network hopes that the film will be widely shared and seen by local people with autism or learning disabilities, alongside carers and professionals, in order to increase awareness of the opportunities and services now available online.  Digital device lending schemes, support getting connected and training sessions on using the internet and staying safe online are all part of the offer.

Sarah Cockburn, Operations Manager at Pyramid said, “ALaDDIN has enabled us to join together to make sure that people with autism and learning disabilities in Leeds are able to get online and access the services that best meet their personal interests and learning ambitions.  The pandemic has brought many challenges to our operations and the resilience, tenacity and determination of the network members to ensure the people we work with aren’t excluded from this new digital landscape has been incredible.”

Organisations involved:

100% Digital Leeds – Aspire CBS – Carers Leeds – Caring for Life – Chapeltown Citizen’s Advice Bureau – Connect in the North – Creative Support – Haqooq Aspire for More – Leeds Autism Services – Leeds Jewish Welfare Board – Leep1 – Leeds Mencap – People in Action – People Matters – Purple Patch – Pyramid – Snaps Yorkshire – Specialist Autism Services – Volition (Forum Central) – Yorkshire Dance

Get Online Week – more info at https://uk.getonlineweek.com/

Leeds Mencap Business Club

9th October 2020

Leeds Mencap launches new initiative for businesses in Leeds

Leeds Mencap has launched a new initiative offering businesses the opportunity to make new connections through networking, plus receive marketing benefits, whilst supporting the charity.

Founding members The Technology Group and Winston Solicitors have already joined the Leeds Mencap Business Club.

Jonathan Marsden, Co-founder and CEO of The Technology Group, Leeds, says: “Having worked and lived in Leeds my entire life, it is an excellent opportunity for us to give something back as part of our social responsibility. We really want to support our local area, helping Leeds to thrive and develop in the future. We are thrilled to join the Leeds Mencap Business Club as a founding member, which benefits our business and this great charity. I urge other businesses to support our local community and donate to great causes like Leeds Mencap in anyway they can.”

Jonathan Winston, Managing Partner of Winston Solicitors, said: “We are proud to support Leeds Mencap and have done for several years. The team are proactive and always do their best to maximise our charity partnership. When we heard about the Business Club, we signed up straight away!”

Caitlin Hazell, Development Manager at Leeds Mencap says ‘We are excited to announce this new way to support Leeds Mencap and benefit businesses. The support from businesses like The Technology Group and Winston Solicitors is making a real difference to children and young people with learning disabilities in the Leeds community.’

Leeds Mencap, a local, independent charity supports over 430 people with learning disabilities and their families each year as well as over 4,900 people through its facilities at The Vinery Centre, which includes a community nursery and meeting space and room hire. It relies on charitable donations in order to continue its vital work.

Cath Lee, CEO of Leeds Mencap, says: “We are absolutely delighted with the generosity shown by The Technology Group and Winston Solictiors. It is wonderful that they have joined the Leeds Mencap Business Club and hope that this will encourage other businesses in Leeds to follow suit.”

For £50 per month, businesses receive a host of benefits including a PR toolkit, an invitation to annual networking event, social media and marketing activity to promote their business, plus an initiation to Leeds Mencap to see the difference that their support is making.

For more information on joining the Leeds Mencap Business Club or to support children with learning disabilities across Leeds, please visit www.leedsmencap.org.uk.

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For more information contact:

Caitlin Hazell, Leeds Mencap, on 0113 2351331 or caitlin.hazell@leedsmencap.org.uk  or donate at www.leedsmencap.org.uk/donate

About Leeds Mencap:

Leeds Mencap is a local and independent charity that was created by and for, people in Leeds with learning disabilities. We provide essential support, advice and care to children and young people with learning disabilities, along with their families and carers. We do this through a range of activities, including; our specialist playroom for families with very young children with special needs, social groups for children and young adults, sibling support, school holiday play schemes and parent and carer support groups. We make a difference because we work with families at any point along their journey, not only improving the life experience of the person with a learning disability but recognising the impact on the whole family and providing support, guidance and practical help.

Leeds Mencap. Registered Charity No. 1091809

Imagine If...

7th October 2020

94% of Leeds Mencap families said that they have felt more isolated during Covid-19

77% of families supporting children with learning disabilities have experienced increased anxiety and 94% have felt more isolated than usual during the COVID-19 pandemic according to a survey conducted by Leeds Mencap.

The recent survey was of parents and carers that use Leeds Mencap’s services and they were asked about their recent experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Cath Lee, CEO of Leeds Mencap, explains:

‘We know that COVID 19 has been challenging for many families across the country. Our recent survey has confirmed what we have been told anecdotally over the past 6 months by the families that use Leeds Mencap. The current pandemic has put them under incredible strain with many feeling overwhelmed, isolated and alone as much of the usual support around them has disappeared overnight. We are now looking at how we can adapt what we do to help more families.’

The survey launches Leeds Mencap’s new Imagine if campaign which aims to highlight what it is like to have a learning disability and show what’s important to young people with learning disabilities and their families. 

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15,000 people in Leeds have a learning disability in Leeds: with this number growing Leeds Mencap are determined to get people in the city talking about the issues that families and people with learning disabilities face.

The Imagine if campaign features families and children as well as staff, volunteers and supporters talking about having a learning disability.

Cath Lee says “What our survey revealed was that families valued the services and support Leeds Mencap offers, and how important our activities have been during COVID-19. With our Imagine If campaign we want to highlight some of the issues that have affected children with learning disabilities during this time, such as them not being able to see friends or family and not understanding why they are unable to take part in their usual activities – like our youth clubs.”

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For more information contact:

Sarah Hooker, Leeds Mencap, on 0113 235 1331 or sarah.hooker@leedsmencap.org.uk  or donate at www.leedsmencap.org.uk/donate

About Leeds Mencap:

Leeds Mencap is a local and independent charity that was created by and for, people in Leeds with learning disabilities. We provide essential support, advice and care to children and adults with learning disabilities, along with their families and carers. We do this through a range of activities, including; our specialist playroom for families with very young children with special needs, social groups for children and young adults, sibling support, school holiday play schemes and parent and carer support groups. We make a difference because we work with families at any point along their journey, not only improving the life experience of the person with a learning disability but recognising the impact on the whole family and providing support, guidance and practical help.

Leeds Mencap. Registered Charity No. 1091809

Background information:

• There are currently 15,000 people with a learning disability in Leeds.  This is a growing number and more support is needed.

• Leeds Mencap is a local, independent charity and they need to raise all their own funds each year. They are affiliated to but do not receive any money from Royal Mencap Society (RMS).

• The current COVID-19 crisis has seen many of Leeds Mencap’s income streams disappear overnight including income that we get from our room hire, community nursery and fundraising events and community and company income.

Leeds Mencap Families - Lockdown Survey

2nd September 2020

We would like to find out how the families we support have found their time during lockdown and whether the support offered by Leeds Mencap has helped.

We need to be able to give feedback to our funders to show whether the support we have given and their funding has made a difference to children, young people and families.

Due to the pandemic, our funding has been affected and with the ongoing uncertainty and possibility of a local lockdown we need to review our plans. The feedback provided by parents/carers will help us to plan for the future.

Please follow the link here:  https://freeonlinesurveys.com/s/AATFdxyM (survey closed)

This can be completed on any device and will take around 5 – 10 minutes. 

The questionnaire is for all the families we support and so you may not recognise some of the activities we ask about.  The questionnaire is split into 3 sections (Questions about you, Questions about your child and Looking to the future). 

This questionnaire can be filled in anonymously if you would prefer, however it would be helpful for us to know how old your child/children are.

Please complete the questionnaire by 14^th September.

Thank you very much for taking the trouble to give us your feedback.

Leeds Mencap are Recruiting Trustees

2nd September 2020

Leeds Mencap are looking for four people who are passionate about improving the lives of children and young people with learning disabilities to join our Board of Trustees.  Like many charities we have been hit hard by the pandemic but have also found that new ways of working and greater collaboration give us the opportunity to support more people with learning disabilities in the future.

We are looking for people who are happy to join a small but strong team of skilled and passionate Trustees at a time of uncertainty and change.  You will relish the prospect of getting to know the organisation and your colleagues quickly, grasping the challenges and opportunities we face and working together with Trustees and senior staff to provide strong and clear leadership to the organisation.  The immediate priority is to support plans to recover from the effects of the pandemic but in 2021 we begin the exciting next phase of our development to build on our learning and expertise and extend the support we can offer to children and young people with learning disabilities and their families into the future.

We are looking for people with a wide range of skills and experience and these are detailed in the recruitment pack. In particular we are looking for someone with a strong finance or accountancy background to fill the role of Treasurer.  In addition we currently do not have a Chair and so are interested in talking to people who may consider developing their role as Trustee into becoming Chair in the future. Most importantly we are keen to hear from anyone who feels they have something to contribute at this particular stage of our journey so please get in touch.

We expect a lot but the rewards are equally great.  You’ll see the difference you make in the children and young people who will develop and achieve beyond anyone’s expectations, in the parents who can draw breath and find some respite and comfort in knowing they’re not alone and being given practical and supportive help. In undertaking the role you will be working with a loyal and committed team who are aspirational about what we can achieve together.

For a Trustee recruitment pack please visit our website: http://www.leedsmencap.org.uk/get-involved/job-vacancies or click here.

For an informal discussion please call Cath Lee, CEO on 0113 235 1331.

To apply, please send your CV, together with a supporting statement detailing how you meet the requirements of the role and what you think you can offer, to Cath Lee, CEO at cath.lee@leedsmencap.org.uk. 

June Newsletter

18th June 2020

June Newsletter We hope that you are all keeping well. This week is Learning Disability Week, we have details of how you can get involved and support Leeds Mencap, we have some news to update you on and more resources to share with you.  New Website Launch!  We are excited to be able to share our new website with you. Our aim is to get more people to our site, to increase awareness of what Leeds Mencap do, to increase donations to support our services, to attract new volunteers, participants for events, corporate supporters and much more. So please share our new site with your friends and family and encourage them to sign up to receive our newsletters. You can click on the link or image below to visit our new website: https://www.leedsmencap.org.uk/

Learning Disability Week runs from 15-21 June 2020. The theme this year is the importance of friendships.

Last year we raised almost £5,000 for our services through sponsored events. Although at the moment, our face to face services at The Vinery Centre are closed, it would be great if you are able to support us and make a small donation or if you would like to get involved and take on a challenge to raise vital funds for Leeds Mencap. If you would like to make a small donation, you can do so here. Also, please share this with your friends and family – don’t forget to tag us and we can share your photos too!

Friendships at Leeds Mencap

Coronavirus explained to children  This book explains the coronavirus pandemic to children. It is illustrated by Axel Scheffler, which might look familiar? He also illustrates Julia Donaldson books like The Gruffalo and Stick Man.

Read the Book

More Resources Here are some more resources that we hope you will find useful. There are also some really good websites and apps with online resources for learning, games and to help support your mental health and well-being. Here’s some of our favourites and here’s some links that you may wish to try for further resources. https://www.visuals2go.com/ https://www.sensoryapphouse.com/ https://do2learn.com/ https://www.camhs-resources.co.uk/ Please share these with other families and friends and keep an eye on our social media for more resources.

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We need your support this Learning Disability Week

Please donate or take on a challenge to raise funds and make a massive difference for children and their families in Leeds. We're a small, local charity and need to raise all our own funds.

Follow us on Social Media

Learning Disability Week

17th June 2020

Learning Disability Week is from 15-21 June 2020. The theme this year is the importance of friendships.

During lockdown, you might not have been able to see and spend time with your friends. We would love to see you photos of you and your friends this Learning Disability Week. Please make sure to use the hashtags #LDWeek2020 and tag us @LeedsMencap so that we can pick up and share your stories on Facebook.

Last year we raised almost £5,000 for our services through sponsored events. Although at the moment, our face to face services at The Vinery Centre are closed, it would be great if you are able to support us and make a small donation or if you would like to get involved and take on a challenge to raise vital funds for Leeds Mencap.

If you would like to make a small donation, you can do so here. Also, please share this with your friends and family.

For information on how to get involved, take on a challenge, or to email us your ‘Friendship’ photos, you can email info@LeedsMencap.org.uk

My experience with the Siblings group

17th June 2020

Hello, my name is Molly, I’m 14 years old and I have been coming to the Siblings Group at Leeds Mencap since I was 8 years old.

The reason I attend the group is because I have a sister who is two years younger than me, who has quite severe ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). Siblings is a group for those aged 8-16 who have siblings with a variety of disabilities. We meet every Wednesday at the Vinery Centre, otherwise known as Leeds Mencap. We do a variety of activities from themed nights, cooking and baking, playing games, workshops for music and drama as well as trips out to local areas, such as Laser Zone, the local park, Hollywood Bowl and Pizza Hut. 

Being a member of Siblings Group has helped me in a variety of ways. I’ve been able to find a community who understand life with a disabled sibling and understand the difficulties that may come with that. I have made many close friends over the years through the group, and have been able to help others to find supportive connections by recommending them to the group, who felt as if they had no one to connect to with their problems. The staff who run the Siblings Group have been very supportive over the years as I have faced other tougher challenges with my life, as I have lost my Nan and Grandad in the last 3 years and have begun to undergo assessment for ASD and Dyspraxia myself, all of which they have been a great source of comfort and help. 

I hope this article may give you some insight for why this group is such a great place for those with disabled siblings to find an escape and community. Thank you very much for reading!