Gracie's Story

• 23rd June 2022

Monday the 20th of June marks the start of Learning Disability Week 2022. Here at Leeds Mencap, supporting young people with learning disabilities and their families to be included and to achieve what they want out of life is at... Read More...

The power of karate!

• 6th May 2022

At Leeds Mencap, we strive to provide a range of opportunities for children and young people with learning disabilities to try new skills in a safe and welcoming environment. With support from Sport England, we recently delivered a range of... Read More...

Brandon's Story

• 15th October 2021

One of the most important things that we offer at Leeds Mencap are our youth clubs. We offer our youth clubs to a range of ages and they provide the children with the important opportunity to socialise with their peers,... Read More...

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... Read More...

Grace, parent of Molly

• 17th May 2020

Grace, parent of Molly Before we came to Hawthorn, I was constantly anxious and stressed about ensuring I supported and encouraged Molly’s development on a daily basis. At Hawthorn, not only is Molly able to thrive with experienced staff who... Read More...

My Time in Lockdown

• 7th May 2020

My Time in Lockdown - By Kai from Leeds Mencap’s Friday Club When Boris Johnston said on the TV that schools were to close, and lots of business too, which meant that I had to stay at home with my... Read More...

Friday Club - Jim and Emily’s story

• 26th February 2020

Emily was born with a rare brain disorder which affects her eyesight and coordination.  She also has a learning disability and this meant that growing up she needed extra support at school and home.  She found it difficult to access... Read More...

Kai’s Story

• 27th May 2019

Kai attends our Thursday Club, which is a social group for 14-18 year-olds with learning disabilities. Learn more about him and his story below. My name is Kai. I am 17 years old and I go to a local SILC... Read More...

How Hawthorn Specialist Playroom made such a difference to Dawn and Eloise

• 21st May 2019

One mum’s story of adapting to the “new world” that having a child with learning disability can bring, and the invaluable support her family received that needs more funding Leeds Mencap provides support through the Hawthorn Specialist playroom at The... Read More...

Jess and Harvey’s story

• 9th May 2019

For many families, Leeds Mencap provides a place of reassurance - somewhere to visit, relax and gain professional support, advice and practical help for the whole family, long term. We explore the story of Jess and how our services were... Read More...

Featured: Hannah and Annette’s story, Tuesday Youth Club

• 8th May 2019

Hannah has been a member of Tuesday Youth Club since March 2017. Hannah’s mum, Annette shares their story and how it has had a big impact for both of them. Hannah’s overall well-being has improved since joining the youth club.... Read More...

Lora, Ben and Phoenix’s story

• 6th May 2019

Phoenix was welcomed into the world by Lora and Ben in 2016. He was born 10 weeks premature and was diagnosed with Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), which then led to a diagnosis of Cerebal Palsy and learning disabilities. Phoenix has trouble... Read More...