Hello and welcome back to all my readers to this month’s blog for you. This month will be about social media and how it can be positive for people but also can be a negative experience. There are lots of ways to use social media be this sharing photos and videos of you and your friends and family as well as keeping in contact with people you care about who might live far away from you.
Sadly there are lots of examples where social media is used in the wrong way. Lots of people should happily get along but there are lots of people who fall victim to bullying on social media. I’ve been a victim myself and this left me feeling ashamed, vulnerable and isolated from friends and family. These messages had a major impact on people life’s and and it leaves people thinking why they were picked on? . Here’s a statistic about bullying online that I found “ Over 25% of adults and young people have been bullied repeatedly through their phones or the Internet.”
So I urge you to think carefully about what you are replying to online. Think about how you would feel if you got a hateful message as these words can have a serious impact on someone.
I am quite a positive person but it’s okay to say some days I still feel hurt from it and it’s alright to feel that way so let’s work together and stop bullying online. The good thing is that your friends and family are always there to support you if you have any problems online. As well I find it is also good to have a break from social media I love to go out with friends to the cinema to watch a movie or playing sports as you know I love hockey!
Thanks you once again for reading my blog and hope this has inspired you to be more positive to people online. I’m really excited about what I have to share with you all over the next few months so keep your eyes peeled! I was also recently part of the Midland Mencap’s new monthly Podcast so if you missed it you can listen or watch here!!
Tom Kirby – Midland Mencap Monthly Blogger
We’re excited to share our first ever podcast. Listen to Dave Rogers and Tom Kirby talk about our 70th year as a charity, learning disability, mental health, blogging and of course Brexit…
Listen to the full podcast here
Hello everyone for today’s blog I want to look back on 2018. This has been for me first of all a year I’ll never forget! I’ll always remember the first time I became part of the Midland Mencap flyers hockey team from someone who never done any social sports apart from going to swimming lessons and scouts to have a gold medal from Amsterdam in 2017 it’s really still to this day a memory I’ll always remember. And to be able to compete in Barcelona this year is something that is just simply amazing. Hockey has become something that is really special to me. I have grown so much as a player and a team mate it wouldn’t have been possible with Steve and Laura.
So Thank for this for this experience there are no words to say how much this means to me. Even when I have felt I couldn’t do anything even, James, he would get tough with me not because I had done anything wrong but they all wanted me to believe more in myself as a player. Hopefully there will be more experiences with you all to come. PS. Steve the banter we have, I wouldn’t have it any other way!
As well The Real Junk Food Project has given me so much a new taste of cooking to trying new flavours. I’m so proud to volunteer there because of the things it’s given me from running a boutique, to seeing friendly customers every Monday. I would really recommend coming and giving your support to this wonderful project and one day if we all work together help stop food waste. Without donations from the general public we wouldn’t be able to run cafes or a warehouse if you’d like to learn more click here.
Something which has benefited both my skills as a player and mentally is running. Since doing it in myself I have noticed a big difference. I have more energy when running on the pitch and I feel healthier in myself. The good thing about running is you don’t have to be big and strong it makes me feel so free when running and all my fears melt away. I am determined to do 10k this year, So the Geared rivalry continues!
In terms of mental health I am glad to say that I am not OK its nothing to be ashamed of. I want to show you, my readers that with help the road to recovery is a long road but you can do it!! What this year has proven to me like the song from the greatest showman “This is me” yes I am suffering with it. Yes I have scares. But this is me, it’s who I am and that I am not scared anymore because I have the love and support from people. They know who they are and they keep me fighting every day.
Going into next year I will be a stronger person keep working hard see what exciting things next year has in-store like potentially interviewing an actor from Casualty! Last but no means least I’d like thank you my loyal readers and fans. I hope you have enjoyed my journey this year as much as I did sharing it and continue with me into the New Year! Your monthly blogger Tom Kirby
Hello everyone and welcome to this month’s blog!
Today I want to talk to you about the place I volunteer at The Real Junk Food Project Birmingham and how it has helped my mental health. The Junk Food Project is a global network of Pay As You Feel concepts with the aim to abolish surplus food. A fun fact about food waste is that on average we each waste 1000 Turkeys a year!
I found out about this project through a friend who is sadly no longer with us and I miss her lots. I’ve done various volunteering roles before but I have a real passion for food and being healthy! I’m not vegetarian but I do really like the vegetarian options we offer at the Real Junk Food Project which really shows their motto of “feeding bellies not bins”.
I’m really grateful what this project has given me, my friends and the customers and I would like to give a few reasons why my volunteering role with the Junk food project has helped with my mental health. With this illness there are some hard days where I struggle to get motivated but on days I volunteer it’s given me determination to keep going because seeing customers smile and get really excited about what we have on offer. Also like hockey working as a team and making long lasting friendships I feel its somewhere I belong and has given me the passion to look forward instead of back!
Another reason why I want to talk about mental health is because I feel sometimes people are afraid to talk about it. I’ve asked a few people to give their thoughts on mental health…
“I’m a Midland Mencap sports volunteer, joining hockey sessions every week. I know that if a player sprains their ankle, for example, it is easy to say – I can’t come this week because I’ve sprained my ankle. But many people would find it harder to say – I can’t come this week because I feel a bit down. That’s because there can be a taboo around mental health. I think it is really important, if you are feeling down or anxious, to be able to say so and ask for support.” -Jenny, Midland Mencap Sports Volunteer-
“Looking into the Future and thriving to be a better version of myself” -The Real Junk Food Project Birmingham Attendee-
I went through something terrible and without volunteering, hockey and other people it kept me going. I suffer with it but I’m not afraid to face it now! If you are reading this and feel you are suffering with mental health just know that there are understanding people out there that will listen and I defiantly recommend Volunteering! Thank you for reading and I look forward to sharing more in the new year!
Learn more about “The Real Junk Food Project Birmingham” here
Hi everyone and welcome back to my monthly blog for Midland Mencap this month I’m going to talk about my experience of starting up running and taking part in my first ever race!
If you would have said a few weeks ago that my mom would be watching me play hockey and seeing me run really fast and suggested I should find a running club. To be honest if she’d of asked me last year I would have said no as I was in a dark place. However my support worker suggested Bournville Harriers running club. I was very nervous but eager to give it a go, just like I was when I first went to hockey training and after my first running session I really enjoyed it!
Since I’ve been going running I have noticed an improvement in my fitness but I also noticed that the determination to do my best that I discovered from playing hockey transferred really well in running too and that is what a coach wants.
So from this new found love for running this then led me to take part in my first ever 5k race! The race was for Mencap in Sutton Park and would be a brand new experience for me as in terms of training I have never done this before but I still really wanted to do it.
The day itself I felt a real rush of adrenaline and really wanted to beat Gerard (you know who you are!) and I was focused to try and a run the 5k in less than 20 minutes. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel afterwards but I had the sheer focus to keep going! The weather wasn’t that great but that did not bother me! I finished it in just Under 30 minutes and was in the top 20 for the whole race, sadly just slightly behind Gerard…
But that didn’t matter as I felt a real buzz and enjoyment afterwards and it has motivated me to take part in a 10k race next time. Which I really think will give Gerard a real run for his money!!
If anyone reading this wants to give running a go or any sport really just go for it as the feeling afterwards is worth it. You don’t have to worry about experience or certain amount of fitness just give it a go as you never know you might find something you really love doing.
Thank you all for reading and see you again for next month’s blog 🙂 , Tom Kirby
Hi, my name is Tom Kirby and welcome to the first monthly blog for Midland Mencap! I live in Birmingham and have been with Midland Mencap for 3 years now and have been part of their Flyerz Hockey Team for 2 years you can read about my thoughts on our recent trip to Barcelona here.
In my upcoming blogs I hope to cover some topics that our close to me these include sport about what I love about being part of a team and how this helps me learn something new all the time. That it’s not about being the best it’s about being with your mates and doing sport you enjoy. As well as having an understanding coach who will always support and guide you (Thanks Steve!)
Another topic I hope to cover is living independently on how it can be quite a rewarding but also a nerve racking experience. As having the freedom to do what you want when you want is good but there are also the responsibilities that come with it like paying rent and bills. Plus my experience of feeling lonely at times and getting the right support I want and not being afraid to ask for it when I need it.
These are just a few topics I want to talk about and I can’t wait to share my journey with you all! Thank you for taking your time reading my first monthly blog and be sure to look out for next month’s blog where I’ll go through my experience of running my first 5k race!
We’ve had an amazing 1st summer at the parkride project from endless days of sunshine to endless numbers of families taking part in this amazing offer of fun free and flexible accessible cycling that everyone can get involved in regardless of need.
Its not just families who are benefiting either Lara who works as a support worker for Midland Mencap and has recently started to help out with the family project! Here she is piloting Ellie with Alfie cycling the circuit together.
Since joining the #parkride team Lara has brought a calm and caring presence to the sessions and really engages with the families, the smiles on Ellie’s face really show the impact that she is having!
Alfie on the other hand is growing in both confidence and competence with every session that he attends He is SO enthusiastic, and his determination and increasing independence are truly inspiring!
Another unsung hero of parkride is Chris, here he is with Dade playing ‘follow my leader’ to help develop his ability to control his speed and awareness of others whilst cycling.
Dade is SO energetic and independent! He fears nothing, and has a great sense of fun! His ‘have a go’ attitude and ability to bounce back even after the odd bump mean that he is developing his skills quickly… watch this space!
And finally this! Whilst having a bit of ‘time out’ with Dade on the Fun2Go double pedal cycle, Dade decided to ‘borrow’ Chris’ hat!
There’s a real sense of fun and freedom at our weekly sessions; it’s lovely to start building relationships with the families that are starting to attend once (or even twice!) a week… and to see them more comfortable and relaxed whilst they enjoy the opportunity to discover (or rediscover in some cases!) the joys and freedoms of cycling at their own level and at their own pace.
Want to learn more about parkride? Click here.
Powering into Queen Alexandra College on ‘Superhero Day,’ I was impressed to see an assembly of young marvels engrossed in a variety of activities. Monitoring the scene from mid-point was Big Robot Head, an immense technological skull brought to life by staff and superkids in a display of fearless innovation. AbdAllah was getting busy with the Hulk and looking forward to some serious gym-time. Also on the menu was the development of some out-of-this-world ice cream.
“It’s nice for the young people to get used to different surroundings, beyond the Hub and Clifton Road,” said facilitator Shereen. “We can bring beanbags in from other venues and have a bit of a chillout room.” Shereen is a full-time primary school teacher who finds wonderment in her Midland Mencap role. “It’s an amazing job, meeting so many different young people, watching them explore new activities and try new things.”
The sun splashes golden light onto Harborne, and Emillie walks into the college grounds with her computer tablet. She sits on a bench and scrolls through her photos. Happy and animated, her dark hair shines. “Emillie has come on a bundle,” says supporter Claire. “She didn’t want anybody to be around her, or near her. She’s alright with the other young people now.” Not even notorious party pooper The Joker could steal the delight from Emillie’s heart. She’s found fun and she ain’t about to let go.
George walks through the college grounds for no better reason than to meet the heat and ensure the safety of the local populace. Half-term activity days at Mencap are always super fun. The options are vast. The young people can get active or they can relax and enjoy their colourful surroundings. All things considered, I’m mighty glad I flew in for today’s session.
-Tim Wright, Volunteer Reporter-
The Trustee Boards of both Midland Mencap and Birmingham Multi-Care are delighted to announce that the two organisations have agreed to work together with the acquisition of Birmingham Multi-Care Services by Midland Mencap.
Going forward, and prior to a full merger Birmingham Multi-Care Services will continue to operate as a subsidiary of Midland Mencap.
Chief Executive of Midland Mencap, Dave Rogers said “Ahead of the future merger of the two organisations we’re looking forward to working with colleagues at Birmingham Multi-Care to ensure the citizens and their families currently using Multi-Care support services benefit from the two organisations working together”.
For more information about Midland Mencap please visit our website home page.
On Saturday 23rd June the members of Coventry Mencap held a celebration party to reflect on decades of family carer activism in the city as they marked their merger with Midland Mencap. It was fitting that so many of the family carers were present who had campaigned and fought for theirs and their children’s rights in education, inclusion, and equality. Coventry Mencap will leave a lasting legacy, wonderfully captured in photographs, of a group of families who worked tirelessly for the inclusion of people with a learning disability in the wider community life of the city.
Martin Gallagher, Chair of Midland Mencap, took the opportunity in welcoming Coventry Mencap to Midland Mencap by saying “Coventry Mencap were one of the more active local groups in the West Midlands region, their work in providing leisure opportunities for people with a learning disability at the time”. One example of this is the long association with the Scouting movement and the opportunity every year to take part in the now legendary camps, packed with fun activities come rain or shine!
Martin went on to say “Though the world has changed the activities of Coventry Mencap provided the base for those changes, getting people with a learning disability out into the community, mixing with the community and been seen as part of the community”. These were sentiments echoed by Councillor Faye Abbott, Cabinet Lead for Social Care at Coventry Council, and by Tina Costello, CEO of Heart of England Community Foundation, both of whom have a long and very supportive relationship with Coventry Mencap. They both shared memories of working with Coventry Mencap to broaden opportunities for learning disabled citizens in the city and how they now look forward to working with Midland Mencap to do the same.
Brian Hinde, outgoing Chair of Coventry Mencap, delivered a very emotional and reflective speech charting the many successes of Coventry Mencap over the years, reasons for the merger with Midland Mencap and his hopes and aspirations for the future. Picking up on Brian’s evocative words Martin Gallagher added “This may seem as a moment of sadness for some people but I hope you won’t harbour that view for long as I like to see this as a rebirth and I hope that Coventry Mencap as is will want to work with us in the future to develop services and community activities that will extend the influence of the organisation throughout the city”.
In deciding to merge with Midland Mencap the Trustees at Coventry recognised that the world was changing rapidly and to ensure people with a learning disability in the city continued to have their voice heard merging with a larger organisation with paid staff who could work with all stakeholders in extending co-produced opportunities for people with a learning disability.
Martin picked this theme up in his closing comments “We need the members too, because parent carers and people with a learning disability who use services are the best people to consult when you’re developing services. Nobody is better placed to ask as to what they want than the person who’s receiving it, co-produced with the people and giving them something they want, it’s their life”.
The party was a wonderful occasion, perfectly bringing to a close the chapter written by the members of Coventry Mencap and turning the page to a very optimistic future as part of Midland Mencap. Martin’s final words applauded the work they did over 60 years of activism in Coventry, “It’s been a privilege to work with and support Coventry Mencap, with Brian, Jill and Clare. We had good fun and achieved some great work together”.
Congratulations to everyone involved with Coventry Mencap, lets now go forward together.