News and stories
Trustee Spotlight-Tim
As we continue our series of blog posts to celebrate our 70th anniversary we are delighted to share the stories of some of our excellent trustees, who have generously supported our work over the years. What is a Trustee? Trustees Oversee everything a charity does. They ensure that their charity has a clear strategy, and…
Leeds Mencap's New Playground!
We are thrilled to announce the grand opening of our brand new playground, made possible by a generous £22,384 grant from The Morrisons Foundation. This exciting project has transformed our space, providing children with enhanced play opportunities and an environment that fosters creativity, exploration, and endless fun. In this blog post, we will take you…
Celebrating the Extraordinary Spirit of the Special Olympics
What are the Special Olympics? The Special Olympics, a global movement that celebrates the abilities and accomplishments of individuals with intellectual disabilities, took place last week (17th-25th June 2023) This exceptional sporting event not only showcases the remarkable athletic talent of participants but also highlights their incredible spirit and determination. In this blog post, we…
Learning Disability Week 2023!
What is Learning Disability Week about? The 19-25th of June 2023 marks this year’s Learning Disability Week. The week is important as it allows us to celebrate the achievements of those with learning disabilities while simultaneously raising awareness and educating others, allowing others to have a greater understanding of what learning disabilities are and develop…
Inclusive Summer Activities!
Summer is here and it’s time to enjoy the sunshine and have some fun. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cultural events, or relaxing activities, there’s something for everyone in Leeds this summer. Here are some of the inclusive and accessible summer activities that you can join in Leeds. Born to be Wild Child Family…
Volunteer Week 2023!
In a world where acts of kindness and selflessness often go unnoticed, Volunteers Week takes the time to honour the invaluable contributions of volunteers. This annual celebration, observed in various countries during the first week of June, serves as a reminder of the remarkable impact volunteers make and the crucial role they play in supporting…
The Impact of the Cost of Living Crisis
The cost-of-living-crisis is a devastating, ongoing issue facing everyone in the UK. The cost-of-living crisis refers to the fact that the cost of many essential items such as food, gas and electricity and petrol are quickly increasing, whereas wages and benefits aren’t going up as quickly. This makes paying for essentials and non-essentials much more…
Luca's Story
We are continuing our 70th Anniversary series of blog posts by focusing on Hawthorn, our specialist nursery playroom for very young children with additional needs. We sat down with nursery staff and Shelby, whose son Luca attends Hawthorn, to hear Luca’s story and to find out how Leeds Mencap have helped his Family. Luca’s Story:…
Mental Health Awareness Week 2023
The 15th May to 21st May is Mental Health Awareness Week. It is important to understand that mental health issues and learning disabilities are not the same thing, as they are often confused for one another. Whilst learning disabilities and mental health are not the same, people with learning disabilities statistically much more likely to…
