As our 75th anniversary comes to an end we interview East Kent Mencap CEO, Jason Gerlack, about his career, working at the charity, and his love of music.
Can you share the story of your journey to becoming part of East Kent Mencap?
I have worked in various welfare and managerial settings for nearly 39 years. When working for Kent County Council, I was fortunate to be asked to provide six months of project management support for a small charity called ‘Thanet Mencap Society’. We were originally called this before merging with Canterbury Mencap; we then became East Kent Mencap in 2007. I very quickly realised that working for a charity was extremely rewarding and that I could make a real difference as the CEO.
What inspires you most about being part of East Kent Mencap?
I take great pleasure in knowing that we are a user-led charity and that people who use our services have a full say in the way we run, deliver and develop. We describe this approach as ‘co-production’, where we actively work together with the members of East Kent Mencap to achieve positive shared outcomes.
Jason cutting the 75th anniversary cake at the celebration event on 28th March 2024.
75 years is a fantastic achievement, what are you most proud of?
Setting up the Members Committee in 2018 was an important achievement for East Kent Mencap. The Members Committee provides a platform for our members to have a voice, be listened to and be heard. They are elected to represent all the people with a learning disability who use our services across East Kent. We co-produce our strategy with the Members Committee to understand what is important to them and to the people that they represent.
I am immensely proud of East Kent Mencap’s growth and reach. We have a truly outstanding workforce which supports many people and their families.
Natasha, who is part of the Members Committee, and Jason.
How is the charity faring with the cost of living crisis?
It is a tough time with the cost of living crisis heavily impacting our members, employees and the organisation itself. The Social Care Sector is under enormous strain at the moment. However, East Kent Mencap remains in a strong position and any decisions that we make are to protect the charity, so that we can continue to provide essential support to our members for the next 75 years and beyond!
Jason and David, Member of GOLD (Getting On With Learning Difficulties), at the 75th Anniversary Fun Day on 3rd August 2024.
Tell us what you like doing when you are not working at East Kent Mencap?
I enjoy taking my dog, Nash, for walks along the beach; it is great exercise and gives me valuable thinking time. I am also very passionate about music, I love live music and taking my campervan to festivals. My new and greatest pleasure is spending time with our first grandchild who has already made an enormous contribution to our family.
