Stories

Read our stories below to find out the most recent happenings for East Kent Mencap, our members, supporters, and staff. Tell us about your experiences with East Kent Mencap here!

The Mayor of Swale, East Kent Mencap CEO and employees and SGN Community Partner Manager Janet Duggan

Free energy advice for people with a learning disability in East Kent  

East Kent Mencap has launched a new partnership with gas distribution network, SGN to provide free energy advice to people with a learning disability across East Kent. The partnership was officially announced at a celebration event hosted at East Kent Mencap’s Swale Hub on Friday 25th October at Trinity Road, Sheerness.   The new project, which
Man and woman on sofa reading the autumn newsletter. The man is pointing to something in the newsletter.

The autumn newsletter is out now!

Our easy read autumn newsletter is packed with inspiring stories and exciting news from the last few months. Inside this issue: Get the latest news from our Members Committee Learn about Herne Bay Hub Senior Support Worker Vicki Wilks’ KiCA award achievement Find out how our collaboration with gas distributors, SGN will give you free
Elizabeth, Fiona, Nicola and Leonora in The ScrapStore smiling to camera

The ScrapStore receives funding to expand its opening days!

We are delighted to announce that The ScrapStore has been awarded £16,100 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The ScrapStore encourages the community to reduce waste by promoting reuse and recycling. Craft items are donated and saved from landfill, then sold at affordable prices, allowing people to get creative while supporting
Vicki holding her award and smiling

East Kent Mencap’s Vicki Wilks wins KiCA Award

We are thrilled to announce that Herne Bay Hub Senior Support Worker, Vicki Wilks, won the ‘Putting People First Award’ at the Kent Integrated Care Alliance (KiCA) Awards 2024. The award’s evening took place at the Mercure Great Danes Hotel, in Maidstone on Friday 13th September. Vicki Wilks attended the event with Holly and Emma,
Group of four men and one lady at The Gateway Club looking at the camera

Volunteer opportunity at The Gateway Club in Ramsgate

We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join us every Monday evening at our Gateway Club in Ramsgate. The Gateway Club is a social club for adults with a learning disability to enjoy activities, make new friends, and have a great time in a supportive environment. The club meets every Monday from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at
East Kent Mencap members from the Fashion Show

East Kent Mencap’s Fashion Show and Pre-Loved Clothes Sale raised over £1000

On Tuesday 20th August over 100 people came to Holy Trinity Church in Margate, to watch the Ramsgate Hub drama group perform a fabulous Fashion Show. With outfits and music choreographed to amazing dancing routines, the audience was up on their feet as they enjoyed the mixed media interactive show. The Mayor of Margate, Councillor
GOLD group in the Foresters Hall garden singing

GOLD’s social singing showcase

On Monday 22nd July, East Kent Mencap’s GOLD (Getting On with Learning Difficulties) project celebrated the grand finale of their Social Singing Sessions with a heart-warming showcase at Foresters Hall in Ramsgate. The GOLD project is funded by the National Lottery and supports people with a learning difficulty in Thanet, who do not receive statutory
Group of nurses and people with a learning disability from the Swale Hub

Partnering with Canterbury Christ Church University to improve care for people with a learning disability

People with a learning disability continue to face health inequalities and barriers to accessing care. East Kent Mencap is proud to partner with Canterbury Christ Church University to assist student doctors and nurses with their training. This valuable opportunity provides doctors and nurses with a better understanding of how to communicate and assess people with
Four people wearing high vis jackets and holding litter picks and a Learning Disability Week sign

Enjoying Learning Disability Week 2024

During Learning Disability Week from 17th to 23rd June, we celebrated the amazing achievements of the people who use our services and highlighted the barriers they face every day. East Kent Mencap CEO, Jason Gerlack, said, “We want people with a learning disability to be seen, heard and valued by their communities.” Our Hubs across East Kent marked Learning Disability
Montage of images of people doing their challenges

Spring Forward Challenge 2024 Success

Thank you to everyone for supporting our Spring Forward Challenge 2024 fundraiser. It was fantastic to see so many people with a learning disability from across East Kent Mencap getting involved. We sold 15 fundraising kits and 10 unique challenges were completed. From knitting hats and picking up litter to growing chilies and baking cakes,
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