East Kent Mencap has online services available for people with a learning disability.
To access these services, you will need to have access to a smartphone, computer or tablet at home, as well as a reliable internet connection. If you need help getting set up or would like some advice on technology, please get in touch and we can support you to be able to access these services.
See below for more information about our online services.
Virtual Hub Sessions
Our Hub Resources in Sheerness, Herne Bay, Margate and Ramsgate offer Virtual Hub Sessions over Microsoft Teams.
We offer virtual activities to people with a learning disability or Autism living anywhere in Kent, as long as they have the IT equipment to be able to join the virtual activity. We can support you to install and learn how to use Microsoft Teams.
Activities include Song Signing, Bingo, discos, cooking, craft, quizzes, and more. You can join a small group virtual activity of up to 10 people or a large group of 10 and over.
Please contact info@eastkentmencap.co.uk for more information.
KARA tablets - Video carephones
East Kent Mencap was delighted to be chosen by Kent County Council to take part in their new service, KARA, which provides vulnerable people across Kent with virtual care and support via video carephones. In partnership with RETHINK Partners and Alcove, Kent County Council lunched the KARA service as part of a response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
With a KARA tablet, even those with little or no technical ability are now able to connect with loved ones and caregivers.
KCC have commented that EKM was the 'most productive organisation' taking part in the programme as our staff have so far supported the rollout of 75 units to members with tablets still going out. Members tell us they are making great use of their tablets!
If you would like to find out more if you or someone you care for could benefit from a KARA tablet, please do get in touch on 01843 808 964 or email info@eastkentmencap.co.uk.
The photo below shows our member Natalie delivering a KARA tablet to her friend and fellow EKM member Robert, so they can chat to each other virtually whenever they like.
Online events
We also run one-off online events, including virtual discos, online film premieres starring our members, video-streamed music concerts, and virtual Fun Days!
Our events are a mix of free and paid for, accessed over YouTube, Zoom or Microsoft Teams, depending on the event.
Margaret and Shorne shared with us their experience of a recent online virtual Halloween disco:
"Good of you to do them (virtual events) online. It is so nice to be involved and so much enjoyment... we would not be able to get to attend otherwise."
Email funds@eastkentmencap.co.uk if you have any questions about our events.
YouTube
Our YouTube channel is full of awesome activity videos by our Support Workers, showing you lots of activities that you can do at home, including cooking, gardening, drawing, and music!
You can also watch fantastic videos of our members performing music, dance and drama shows, as well as many other talents.
There are over 140 videos on our YouTube channel for you to enjoy.
Explore our YouTube channel here.
