Tough to decide who had the most energy at the Enterprise Hub during February’s half-term play scheme session: The youngsters dashing about – laughing and whooshing through their sensory-saturated environment – or the staff members trying to keep up with them. The little adventurers making sand castles in the sand pit, diving deep into the ball pit, and running through the main hall with masks and dinosaurs, transformed the Hub into a wild fun-time hubbub.
Overseeing everything, with eyes in the back (and quite possibly the sides and top) of her head, is Narinder Sehmbi: Facilitator, activities organiser, Superwoman. Responsible for keeping the children safe and happy, with all of their individual needs met, she has her work cut-out but clearly delights in the challenge. Narinder loves to see happy smiling faces, and understands the value of days such as these, not least in terms of respite for busy Brummie parents.
Ciaran started at the Hub as a volunteer and has worked here for three years. His efforts are rewarded with a super-abundance of job satisfaction. Ciaran is a chilled dude who loves seeing the kids whizz about in a blur of excitement. Natalie works through an agency and, surprisingly, this is only her second day at the Hub. She thinks it’s fantastic. Natalie enjoys getting to know the children. Already she’s been praised for her skill and intuition.
Sully works part-time and loves the spirit and enthusiasm. He thinks it’s great that the kids can land here and willingly express themselves. Sully senses the Hub may have a number of resources the kids will not find at home. A burly good-spirited guy, he learns something new about his diminutive playmates every day.
Young Archie likes playing on the computers and initiating dodgeball games. His friend Zachary loves the ball pit and ‘role play.’ Together they dive into the soft play area and initiate a wild game of ‘dodgeball tennis,’ a high-energy activity that may have its roots right here at the Hub. Archie and Zachary, eager for victory in a sport of their own making, take it in turns hurling balls at each other and then batting them away, directly into the heart of the brave mob of spectators.
Half-term play schemes at the Enterprise Hub easily match the speed and endurance of Iron Man and Wonder Woman at peak performance – and you would have to search long and hard to find a hub containing more joy and youthful exuberance in the whole of the Second City.
-Tim Wright, Volunteer Reporter-
At the heart of Midland Mencap is the desire to help people, and to really show how much our services, staff and volunteers help those in need and those who care for them, I interviewed two parents (Debbie and Saeed) whose children access the Midland Mencap Short Breaks service.
Here is what they had to say:
1. What made you choose Midland Mencap and how did you hear about it?
Saeed: Around six or seven years ago I received a leaflet through the school my son attended. It was appealing because he could get involved with new activities and meet new people.
Debbie: My children are secure with them and they are happy to be here – once they come in, they just let go of my hand and they are free. Because they are autistic they don’t like places they are not comfortable with – they will not go back to that place, but they are always looking forward to coming to Midland Mencap. Even when they are home they say ‘Mencap, Mencap’. One of my children needs to know every day what is happening – on days where he has to go to school he says ‘Mencap!’ and I have to say no, today is Tuesday it is school and Saturday is Mencap. The staff are really friendly and yes, I choose Midland Mencap for my children’s safety. I heard about Midland Mencap from social services.
2. How has it changed your child’s, and your own, life?
Saeed: Even though it’s only 5 and a half hours every few weeks, he loves coming here and he gives a different response to other groups. He associates Midland Mencap with positive things and as we are content that he is in a happy and safe environment, we are comfortable having a lazy day or shopping while he is here.
Debbie: The change it has made to my life is that it gives me a break and gives me time to spend with other family. With my children, they get to spend time with other people so it makes a big change to their life too.
3. What’s the best thing about Midland Mencap?
Saeed: The volunteers and the staff. We are always met with smiley faces and they really care about each individual. My son’s uncle came to Midland Mencap before he sadly passed away and the staff and volunteers had a memorial service for him while my son was here – they really care for each person and acknowledge them as individuals.
Debbie: When you come back to collect your children they let you know how your child’s day went, whether it’s good or bad. If there’s any concern they will call to let you know – if they eat or they don’t eat etc. The staff and volunteers are always smiling and it’s a good environment – it is clean and safe. I always look forward to bringing them. I encourage other parents to choose Midland Mencap!
The views of the parents really highlight the positive impact of Midland Mencap’s work with children and young people, and they also show why volunteering and working here is so rewarding. As a volunteer myself, I fully recommend volunteering here to others!
– Kat, Reporter Volunteer –
This week is #StudentVolunteeringWeek and here at Midland Mencap we’re celebrating the outstanding contribution of our 40-strong team of skilled and committed student volunteers.
As a Midlands-based charity, we are incredibly lucky to have some excellent higher education organisations right on our doorstep, including the University of Birmingham, Aston University, Newman University and Birmingham City University. Through their willingness to share and promote our voluntary opportunities, we have had the privilege of involving undergraduate and postgraduate students across a range of academic disciplines in a wide variety of voluntary roles.
Now, let me introduce you to some of these amazing student volunteers!
First meet Bethany:
A student at Newman University who is training to become a counsellor. Through her voluntary contribution as a Community Connections Volunteer, Bethany has given a Midland Mencap citizen the much-needed opportunity to get out and about in her community, have fun and do the things that make her happy. Whether it’s going bowling together, catching a bus into town or just hitting the shops, they always have a great time and Bethany has made a significant positive difference to that individual’s quality of life while also developing her own skills for her future career in counselling.
Next meet Simon:
A psychology student at Aston University and a qualified swimming teacher. With his excellent swimming skills, his calm and inclusive teaching style and his admirably responsible approach to volunteering, Simon is an absolutely fantastic Love to Swim Volunteer at our weekly swimming sessions for adults with learning disabilities. These sessions make such a positive difference to the participants’ health and wellbeing, and we are incredibly grateful to Simon for all his help and support.
And last – but definitely not least – meet Noureen:
A postgraduate student at the University of Birmingham who is currently studying for a Masters in Psychology. Noureen’s ambition is to work as an educational psychologist with children who have additional needs, and we feel very lucky that she has chosen to develop her skills and experience in this area by volunteering with the Midland Mencap Children and Young Persons’ team. By helping out as an Inclusive Play Volunteer at our weekly Tuesday Club, Noureen is making a brilliant contribution to the emotional and social development of the young people who attend by supporting them to socialise, have fun and try out new activities.
Thank you Bethany, Simon, Noureen and all of our other fabulous student volunteers – you guys rock!
If this blog has inspired you to volunteer with Midland Mencap (whether you’re a student or not!), you can find all of our current opportunities on the Do It website here.
-Hayley Stokes, Volunteer Coordinator-
Over the last three months I’ve been volunteering at Midland Mencap football sessions in Moseley. Over this time I’ve been able to witness the players grow as individuals and as a team.
One person who stood out to me was Bryn, who’s been training with Midland Mencap for over two years now. As a result it came as no surprise to hear that Bryn is an integral part of the teams’ starting line up. So when I asked what position he played he simply responded, “Wherever I’m needed”, in keeping with him and the teams’ positive attitude.
Bryn also mentioned, to my delight, that he felt the volunteers at the weekly football sessions provided meaningful support allowing him to talk confidently and compassionately to them should he have a problem.
Bryn continued, highlighting the importance the sessions have been in his development, stressing the significance the sessions have had on him socially and physically.
It’s evident that football has become an integral part of Bryn’s weekly routine, allowing him to meet people he may not have met otherwise. This is also what Bryn discussed being the best thing about football, with the social aspect allowing him to make key and meaningful relationships.
Daniel Twist, Volunteer Reporter
In light of the Oxfam scandal Midland Mencap wishes to assure customers, funders, donors and the general public that we apply the highest standards with regard to both safeguarding and the supervision of our staff.
When incidents occur these are reported to the relevant agencies and are subject to full investigation. We remain vigilant and will always act when necessary to ensure safety and the highest service standards underpin our offer to those wishing to use our services
Learn more about the Oxfam controversy.
We are running some Team teach training days and have some spaces available, if you would like any of your staff to attend please get in touch with the children’s team on 0121 256 1500.
Team teach full 2 day course
10th and 11th April
£89.00 per person
9.00am – 4.30pm
Team teach refresher course
9th April
£47.00 per person
9.00am – 4.30pm
Courses are to be held at Baskerville School in Harborne.
It’s Tuesday afternoon at the Enterprise Hub and that means ‘Just Desserts’ and the chance for young and not-so-young wannabe chefs to roll up their sleeves and contribute to the making of a sensational sweet treat. Today’s tasty challenge is to create a batch of chocolate brownies to rival those of Domestic Goddess, Nigella.
Kelly has been coming to the Hub for about five years. Spooning butter into a mixing bowl, she tells me she has made lots of new friends here. Eddie says he likes watching MasterChef and loves making chocolate brownies. Louise fills a cup with sugar and enjoys friendly banter with Kelly. Nagina has been coming for an impressive eight years. Her favourite food is chips.
Sam Budd drops an egg into butter and tells me he likes rhubarb crumble. A man of great ambition, Sam would like nothing more than to create a delicious dessert for Leona Lewis. Staff member Tess confirms that only a couple of people attended this class when it first began. Now around twenty people drop-in to hone their culinary skills. One great thing about Just Desserts is that participants can take the recipes home and practice and perfect their favourite items.
Samma is a big fan of The Great British Bake Off. Clearly a chocoholic, she has made chocolate cake and chocolate muffins in the past. Samma is happy to come to the Hub, chat with her friends, and wait patiently for her hard work to emerge from the oven.
You can expect something spooky if you dare to approach Just Desserts at Halloween. Go there at Christmas and you’ll find glorious festive favourites. Thoughts are now turning to Valentine’s Day. So what will it be: Pink and red cookies? Sweet romantic cupcakes? Can’t wait to find out!
Tim Wright, Volunteer Reporter.
Midland Mencap are exceptionally proud to be partners of Inclusion International, Inclusion Europe and Mencap in delivering the 17th World Congress from the 30th May – 1st June 2018 in Birmingham.
The theme of the World Congress is Learn, Inspire, Lead and will be the largest gathering of self-advocates, families, friends and supporters, in the world. You can be there too at this truly global event, Join us and add your voice; share your experience, and be part of a movement for change. See you in Birmingham!
Why not come to this years World Congress? Click to learn more!
BREAKING NEWS:
Midland Mencap is delighted to confirm that the members of Coventry Mencap have voted unanimously to join with Midland Mencap.
This is an exciting time to be working together in Coventry with the city becoming City of Culture in 2021.
We will now start to consult with learning disabled citizens, family carers and new partners in Coventry as we seek to build on the legacy of Coventry Mencap. We will recruit experienced staff to support planned developments in the city as well as ensure existing community support groups continue.
We will officially takeover on the 25th March but are now working with our friends in Coventry to make sure the transition to Midland Mencap is as smooth as possible.
If you like more information please call 0121 442 2944
For many charities, including a significant number in Birmingham and across the West Midlands the back pay liability runs to tens of thousands of pounds. Most of these organisations they neither have the reserves or income to make provision in their budget setting. This is not scaremongering, without urgent Government intervention large parts of the social care sector will collapse.
We need to #StopTheSleepInCrisis now.