This Trustee Week, we’re delighted to introduce Mel Roberts, Midland Mencap’s new Chair of Trustees.
Mel brings over 30 years of leadership experience and a real passion for inclusion, community, and citizen-led change. We caught up with her to learn more about her background, motivations, and hopes for the future.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?
I’m an accountant by background, but I’ve spent more than 30 years in senior leadership roles, mostly across large international healthcare organisations. Today, I have what I like to call a “portfolio career” — I’m a Non-Executive Director, Trustee, and founder of Evol, a consultancy that helps leaders and organisations grow through strategy, coaching, and developing high-performance cultures.
What attracted you to join Midland Mencap as a Trustee, and what inspired you to become Chair?
A chance conversation with a former colleague first opened my eyes to the breadth and scale of Midland Mencap’s work. When I met Dave Rogers and the team, I immediately felt that the charity’s values aligned with my own.
With my background in health and domiciliary care, the citizen-led approach really resonated with me. Becoming a Trustee—and now Chair—felt like the perfect way to bring together my purpose, values, and experience to help the organisation go further, together.
Why is supporting people with learning disabilities and their families important to you?
Everyone deserves a good life with choice, dignity, and connection. Families and unpaid carers carry so much, often quietly, and I think that deserves recognition and support.
It’s a privilege to work with an organisation whose mission is to empower people with learning disabilities to live independently and confidently, surrounded by inclusive community services.
What inspires you most about Midland Mencap’s work?
The strength of the citizen voice and the charity’s genuine commitment to co-production. Services here are built around real lives, not the other way round.
Every day, I see the dedication of our teams and volunteers removing barriers and creating safe, welcoming spaces where people can thrive. That’s what makes Midland Mencap so special.
What do you hope to bring to the role of Chair?
I’d like to bring calm, clarity, and connection. My focus will be on providing strong governance, practical support for the Executive Team, and fostering a Board culture that’s purposeful, constructive, and forward-thinking.
With several new Trustees joining and a long-serving Chair stepping down, it’s an exciting moment to reflect on how we work together and how we can continue delivering impact that lasts.
What are your ambitions for Midland Mencap over the next few years?
We’re developing our new five-year strategy, so I won’t give too much away yet! But my priorities are to:
- Strengthen citizen voice and co-creation in everything we do.
- Secure sustainable funding and partnerships.
- Make sure our services are simple to find and easy to use.
Ultimately, it’s about ensuring more people can access the right support, when and where they need it.
What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
In my twenties, I actually had ambitions to play ice hockey for the Nottingham Vipers! I passed all my ice-skating grades right up to level 10, which surprises most people who know me only through my professional life.
Do you have a message you’d like to share with Midland Mencap’s citizens, carers, and supporters?
I’m honoured to serve as Chair. Thank you for your trust, your voices, and your support — they guide everything we do. Together, we’ll keep helping people live well, feel connected, and be part of their communities.
A Message from Dave Rogers, CEO
“As CEO, I’m genuinely excited to welcome Mel as our new Chair. She brings a wealth of experience, strategic insight, and a deep commitment to inclusion and empowerment.
Her leadership will be instrumental in guiding Midland Mencap through the next stage of our journey — strengthening our voice, expanding our reach, and ensuring people with learning disabilities and their families thrive. I’m looking forward to working closely with Mel to shape an inspiring future for everyone connected to Midland Mencap.”
On Sunday 5th October, our annual event took place at Sutton Park in what was another successful, inclusive celebration of sport and community. The event was open to everyone who wanted to take part, with options to run various lengths, including 1km, 5km, and 10km. On the crisp autumn morning, our participants bravely battled the cold air and gave it their all — and we couldn’t have been prouder of everyone who participated and those who came to support.
The Sutton Park Challenge is truly a unique race, not only because of the beautiful setting but also because of its strong commitment to inclusivity. We are passionate about welcoming and encouraging everyone to take part, regardless of ability, age, or experience. Our goal is to create an event where all participants feel valued, supported, and motivated to enjoy the day. We were thrilled to see a wide range of people come together to participate in the event. Some of our athletes were frequent runners who chose to challenge themselves by running solo around the park, while many others ran with their dogs, families, and children.
There were several wheelchair users who participated together with their family and friends around the hilly course, highlighting the spirit of support and inclusivity that defined this day. People were also able to cycle along the route in either an accessible bike or trike if they wished. The event was suitable for everyone to join, and the route followed paths around Sutton Park that were accessible for both runners and cyclists.
Before the Challenge began, participants were busy warming up and getting ready with the support of friends and family, helping to create a warm, welcoming community atmosphere. There was a tent where athletes could register and receive their race numbers, and a coffee van offering hot and cold drinks for people to enjoy. The atmosphere was filled with positivity and excitement as people began to line up at the start line, surrounded by the cheerful encouragement of supporters. Running Marshalls both led and followed the race to ensure everyone stayed on the correct path, felt safe, and received any medical attention if needed. Their presence helped maintain a smooth, inclusive, and enjoyable experience for all involved.
Our staff and volunteers were stationed at various points along the course to help direct participants and provide encouragement throughout the event. The atmosphere was incredibly friendly, with words of support and motivation shared by staff, volunteers, and participants alike. At the finish line, families, friends, and supporters eagerly waited for our athletes to complete the event. As each person crossed the finish line, waves of cheers and applause erupted, congratulating them on their success. It was a deeply emotional moment for many, as participants, filled with pride and satisfaction, were reunited with their friends and family and presented with their well-earned medals.
After the 5km and 10km events had concluded, the participants of the 1km Challenge began to line up in preparation. This run was designed to be accessible for everyone, with children making up the majority of participants. There was an overwhelming sense of pride and joy from friends, families, and supporters as these young athletes set off on their run. Just like the other Challenges, the finish line was filled with friendly faces ready to celebrate their achievements — making it a memorable moment for everyone involved.
This year’s Sutton Park Challenge once again captured our mission to promote inclusivity and create opportunities for everyone to get involved. We want to congratulate every participant for your enormous achievement — we are so proud of you! And a huge thank you to all the supporters who came along to cheer — your enthusiasm and encouragement helped make the day so special.
Photo’s by Stephen Lee’s Images and James Rogers
Written by Ella, Student Intern
When Diahann first applied for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) several years ago, her application was sadly rejected. Feeling discouraged, she believed it wasn’t worth trying again. However, during a routine review of her support, her Lead Worker at Midland Mencap encouraged her to reconsider. He explained that she could be entitled to PIP and offered to support her through the process.
Full Support Every Step of the Way
Diahann’s Lead Worker helped her complete the PIP application, gather the necessary evidence, and prepare for the telephone assessment. Throughout, he made sure that Diahann fully understood each stage, helping her feel confident, calm, and well-prepared.
Although the process was lengthy, the effort paid off. Diahann was awarded enhanced rates for both daily living and mobility needs. She also received a £2,000 back payment, which has had a huge impact on her life.
A Life-Changing Result
The successful PIP award has lifted a great weight from Diahann’s shoulders. With the extra financial support, she now lives more comfortably and can apply for further help such as a Blue Badge. This will make it much easier for her to get out and about with her family, increasing her independence and quality of life.
Diahann said:
“I have been recently awarded PIP, I feel extremely happy as I didn’t think it would happen for me. This has been a huge help for me financially and Midland Mencap has supported me through everything.”
We are incredibly proud to have supported Diahann on her journey.
If you would like to know more about how we can support you, visit our Community Wellbeing Service page or contact us on:
Call: 0121 442 2944
Email: HCS@midlandmencap.org.uk
Listen to the story:
Today, Midland Mencap’s CEO Dave Rogers and Ashleigh Jones joined Kath Stanczyszyn on BBC Radio WM to discuss the Government’s proposed changes to welfare benefits, particularly concerning the Work Capability Assessment and Personal Independence Payments (PIP).
Dave highlighted the significant local impact these cuts could have in Birmingham and across the West Midlands, stating, “it’s broadly acknowledged that, living with a disability adds about £1000 a month to your general living costs any reduction in welfare benefits is going to have a really severe impact, on some of our most vulnerable citizens”
Ashleigh shared her personal experience of living with Cerebral Palsy and Autism, reflecting on the anxiety caused by the recent news: “I feel really lucky in the sense that I am able to work, obviously I’m really well supported within my place of work to be able to carry out my daily job, essentially. But, you know, even last night I genuinely couldn’t sleep on the basis of how much potentially this, this new PIP reform essentially is going to impact me financially, even though I am able to work.”
Watch and listen to their full interview here:
Credit BBC Sounds, Kath Stanczyszyn, Radio WM
Listen to the full show on BBC Sounds here.
Read Mencap’s response to the Government plans to make changes to benefits.
For the past three years, I’ve had the pleasure of supporting Janet, a wonderful individual with a passion for musicals. We’ve shared many memorable experiences, but none quite like our recent adventure. Janet was thrilled to attend “Hairspray” the musical, and this time, we decided to make it even more special by inviting her friend Helen to join us. Helen eagerly accepted our invitation, and the night turned into a magical experience.
For the first time, I witnessed both Janet and Helen dancing and singing together, their faces alight with joy. It was heartwarming to see them so happy, We were overjoyed to be part of such a special moment. Their laughter and excitement were contagious, and it reaffirmed our commitment to ensuring they have many more fun activities to look forward to.
Next on our agenda is “Elf the Musical”, and both Janet and Helen can hardly wait. We are excited to continue creating these joyful memories and spreading happiness through the magic of musicals.
Learn more about the Right Support in Birmingham
Credit: Thank you to Myrielle and Julie (Personal Assistants, Midland Mencap) for their work and sharing this story.
Andrew, a citizen of a Midland Mencap property, has experienced a remarkable transformation with the support of the Community Wellbeing Service. For years, Andrew, who is naturally shy, preferred the solitude of his home, immersing himself in computer games and TV. This led to significant social isolation.
However, over the past year, dedicated support staff have worked tirelessly to boost Andrew’s confidence and encourage him to step out of his comfort zone. Their efforts have paid off spectacularly. Andrew now enjoys spending time outside his home, engaging in activities with friends, and even going out for food and drinks—something he never would have considered before.
Andrew’s newfound confidence is also reflected in his appearance. He takes pride in regular haircuts and beard trims, which have further bolstered his self-esteem. His commitment to his health has seen him independently attending the gym, greatly improving his overall wellbeing.
One of the most exciting developments is Andrew’s progress with bass guitar lessons, guided by his lead worker. His dedication to practice has led to significant improvement, and he now enjoys playing outside of support sessions.
Additionally, Andrew benefits from the volunteer service, where a befriender helps him explore new places and activities every fortnight. This has opened up a world of new experiences for him.
Where Andrew once avoided speaking to people and making eye contact, he now confidently chats with shopkeepers and café staff, and even orders his own food and drinks.
Andrew’s journey is a testament to the power of dedicated support and the incredible impact it can have on an individual’s life. His story is one of growth, confidence, and newfound independence, and it continues to inspire everyone around him.
Learn More about the Learning Disability Wellbeing Service
Credit: Thank you to Tim (Personal Assistant) supporting with this story.
In today’s digital world, online scams are more common than ever. From phishing emails to fake online stores, cybercriminals use various tactics to trick people into giving away their personal information.
On Tuesday, 11th February, we marked #SaferInternetDay, a global initiative dedicated to promoting online safety. This year’s theme focused on recognising and avoiding scamsan essential skill for anyone who spends time online.
Learning to Stay Safe Online
At the Digital Workshop Group at Weoley Castle Community Centre, we explored different types of scams, including:
Phishing – Fraudulent emails or messages designed to steal your personal details.
Online Shopping Scams – Fake websites or sellers that trick buyers into paying for non-existent goods.
Impersonation Scams – Criminals pretending to be someone you trust, like a bank representative or a government official.
Romance Scams – Scammers build fake relationships to manipulate victims into sending money.
Money Muling – Unknowingly helping criminals move stolen money by transferring funds.
How We Improved Our Scam Awareness
Through interactive quizzes from the UK Safer Internet Centre, our group tested their knowledge, learned how to spot scams, and discovered ways to stay safe online. We also discussed the importance of reporting anything suspicious to prevent others from becoming victims.
By the end of the session, our group felt more confident navigating the digital world, equipped with the skills to protect themselves and others from online fraud.
How You Can Stay Safe Online
Want to improve your online security? Here are a few tips:
Think Before You Click – Be cautious of unexpected links or attachments in emails.
Verify the Source – Check if a website or seller is legitimate before making a purchase.
Use Strong Passwords – Create unique passwords for different accounts.
Stay Alert – If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Report Suspicious Activity – If you suspect a scam, report it to the appropriate authorities.
Final Thoughts
Scams can happen to anyone, but by staying informed and cautious, we can all play a part in making the internet a safer place.
Did you know about these scams? Have you ever encountered one? Share your experience in the comments and help spread awareness!
For more online safety resources, visit the UK Safer Internet Centre website. Let’s work together to stay safe online!
As we reflect on the month of June, we at Midland Mencap are filled with pride and gratitude for the incredible events and milestones we’ve shared with our community.
From honouring our dedicated volunteers to supporting unpaid Carers and celebrating individuals with learning disabilities.
June has been a testament to the power of inclusion, support, and community spirit. Let’s take a closer look at the remarkable journey we’ve been on this past month.
National Volunteers Week (June 3-9): Honouring Our Unsung Heroes
We began the month by shining a spotlight on our volunteers. National Volunteers Week gave us the perfect opportunity to express our heartfelt appreciation for these selfless individuals who contribute their time, energy, and skills to make a difference in our community.
Our celebrations kicked off with two special events:
1. Weoley Castle Community Centre Celebration (June 5):
This vibrant gathering brought together volunteers, staff, and community members for a morning of recognition and fun. Attendees shared stories and enjoyed refreshments while reflecting on the impact of volunteerism.
2. Walsall Disability Hub Event (June 6):
Our Walsall branch hosted a similarly joyous occasion at the Walsall Disability Hub, highlighting the unique contributions of volunteers in supporting individuals with disabilities in the local area.
Throughout the week, we also leveraged the power of social media to amplify our volunteers’ voices. We shared a series of volunteer experience videos, offering a glimpse into the diverse ways our volunteers contribute and the personal growth they experience through their service. These heartwarming stories not only celebrated our current volunteers but also inspired others to get involved.
You can watch them here:
Carers Week (June 10-16): Supporting Those Who Care
Following our volunteer celebrations, we shifted our focus to another group of unsung heroes – unpaid Carers with partners Forward Carers.
Recognizing the often-overlooked challenges faced by those who provide unpaid care to family members or friends, we organised a series of events designed to offer support, respite, and recognition.
Our Carers Week activities included:
Throughout the week, we hosted health and wellbeing workshops and sessions focused on self-care, stress management, and overall wellbeing for carers. These events, led by health professionals and wellness experts, provided practical tools and strategies for carers to maintain their own health while caring for others.
One of the highlights of the week was our day trip to ThinkTank Birmingham, the city’s award-winning science museum. This outing offered carers a chance to relax, learn, and enjoy a day out, free from their usual responsibilities. The interactive exhibits and immersive experiences provided a much-needed break and sparked joy and curiosity among our attendees.
To round off the week, we hosted a special Carers lunch at our Happy Bean Café. This event not only provided a delicious meal but also offered a valuable opportunity for carers to connect with one another, share experiences, and build a support network. The warm, welcoming atmosphere of our new cafe created the perfect setting for fostering these important connections.
Learning Disability Week (June 17-23): Celebrating Achievements and Raising Awareness
The final week of June was dedicated to Learning Disability Week, a time to celebrate the achievements of individuals with learning disabilities and raise awareness about the challenges they face. This week was packed with events that showcased the talents, resilience, and potential of the individuals we support.
Our Learning Disability Week events included:
Walsall Celebrations at Walsall Disability Hub
We kicked off the week with a lively celebration at our Walsall Disability Hub. The event featured art exhibitions, performances, and interactive activities, all designed to highlight the diverse talents of individuals with learning disabilities. Local community leaders and partners joined us in recognising the contributions of people with learning disabilities to our society.
PURE Graduation Event (June 18)
One of the most inspiring moments of the week was the PURE graduation event held at the Library of Birmingham alongside Birmingham Rathbone. This ceremony celebrated the achievements of individuals who have completed our PURE BAES course program, which focuses on developing job skills, confidence, and independence.
We welcomed Birmingham’s Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress to the event on Tuesday where they presented certificates to students.
It was a great event celebrating the efforts of everyone in the PURE project that supports people with complex needs towards education, training and employment. Both staff and students had a joyful time reflection and celebrating and were able to get involved in some activities after the ceremony.
Nuffield Birmingham Central joined us to and hosted a small stretch and workout session and pakride were along for the ride with taster sessions on their fleet of accessible bikes.
Learning Disability Week Celebrations and Happy Bean Cafe Opening (June 20)
The pinnacle of our Learning Disability Week celebrations coincided with the grand opening of our Happy Bean Cafe. This dual celebration was a testament to our commitment to creating inclusive spaces for individuals with learning disabilities.
Our brand-new café is open to the public Monday – Friday from 8:30am – 2:30pm during term time and has an exciting new menu with drinks, cakes and hot food. Visit us to join a community, enjoy art and have a relaxing time in both an indoor and outdoor environment.
Throughout the day, we hosted a variety of activities to celebrate Learning Disability Week, including art workshops, music performances, and informational sessions about learning disabilities. The event drew a diverse crowd, from long-time supporters to curious community members, all coming together to celebrate diversity and inclusion.
We had a Hate Crime with Jo, from West Midlands Police, which provided our community with more information on staying safe and how to deal with hate crime. Free resources were available for everyone.
It was a successful day, and we hope to see more of our community at our community hub.
A Month of Impact and Inspiration
As we look back on June, we are filled with gratitude for the incredible community that surrounds and supports Midland Mencap. From our dedicated volunteers and tireless unpaid Carers to the inspiring individuals with learning disabilities who challenge perceptions every day, each person plays a vital role in creating a more inclusive and supportive society.
These events have not only celebrated achievements but have also raised awareness, created new connections, and reinforced our commitment to supporting individuals with learning disabilities and their families. The success of our June activities serves as a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together with a shared vision of inclusivity and empowerment.
As we move forward, we carry with us the energy and inspiration from this remarkable month. We remain committed to creating opportunities, challenging perceptions, and building a community where everyone, regardless of ability, can thrive and reach their full potential.
Thank you to everyone who participated in, supported, or contributed to our June events. Your involvement makes a real difference, and together, we are creating a more inclusive and compassionate world, one day at a time.
Stay connected with Midland Mencap for more exciting events, initiatives, and opportunities to get involved. The journey towards full inclusion and equality continues, and we invite you to be a part of it.
For more information on Midland Mencap’s Communtiy Services:
Call: 0121 442 2944 or
Email: Communityhub@midlandmencap.org.uk
2022. What a year!
We’ve had an incredible 365 days. From launching new services, to expanding our team, meeting with citizens, carers, and parents; it’s been a busy yet bright year for Midland Mencap.
That’s why we wanted to look at our year in review, month by month. To shine a light on how every month of 2022 we have supported people with a learning disability and their families across the Midlands.
New Services
This year, Midland Mencap launched a variety of new services and opportunities to get involved in the work we do. 2022 saw us launch the Walsall Carers Hub, the Learning Disability Wellbeing Service and new Volunteering roles.
The Walsall Carers Hub was introduced this year as an extension of Forward Carers and our Family Carer’s team. Based in Walsall, the Walsall Carers Hub offers a wide range of support and services to unpaid carers in Walsall. To learn more visit walsallcarershub.org.uk
Mid-way through 2022, we launched the Learning Disability Wellbeing Service, previously known as Supporting People. This new service now supports over 400 people with a Learning Disability across Birmingham. From assisting with healthcare appointments to getting the right benefits, maintaining a home and help with budgeting, this team ensures all citizens can access the right care they need.
This year we re-launched our Volunteering offer. Volunteering with Midland Mencap is a great opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of people with learning disabilities. The volunteering opportunities are varied and often rewarding, ranging from working with our Children and Young People’s team, to being a Trustee and more. We look forward to offering more chances to get involved in the new year. Check out our blog for more information.
Events
To say this year has been a busy one would be an understatement. We’ve hosted so many community events that you’ve all been involved in. This summer was fabulous, with a heat wave to match.
We started our 2022 events calendar with International Women’s Day in March. We celebrated and #eMMpowered women from across the West Midlands and the sector. With presentations, a delicious buffet and concert from a local singer, we saw hundreds of citizens, carers and professionals come together to learn more about the services we offer for women in our local area.
The summer saw two more events take place – the Queen’s Jubilee and Learning Disability Week Get Creative Day.
Our Jubilee Party was a roaring success! We hosted hundreds of people, from across Birmingham and the West Midlands, for a day of fun, celebration and activities. The Weoley Castle Community Centre was decorated in red, white and blue Union Jacks everywhere and the BBQ was manned by the wonderful Community team at Midland Mencap.
Our Get Creative Day followed on from this, as our way to celebrating Learning Disability Week. We hosted a variety of activities at Weoley Castle Community Centre, including arts and crafts, creative writing, baking sessions and drama workshops. We provided citizens and their carers with new ways to express their creativity and stretch their skills.
Our Children and Young People’s team offered various events for families across the West Midlands. We received funding from Tesco Community Fund to run October half-term fun days at Ackers and a Scout Camp site in Coventry. Families were able to experience new activities, such as canoeing, an inflatable obstacle course, and tobogganing down dry ski slopes together. These sessions were accessible for all and enjoyed by everyone involved.
Projects
Over the course of 2022, we’ve led a huge range of projects, across every team at Midland Mencap. We’ve provided citizens with new experiences, support for carers in Birmingham and encouraged creativity through new sessions.
Midland Mencap and Forward Carers teamed up this year to host two on-going sessions for carers in Birmingham. Carers could experience monthly Musical Meet Ups at Symphony Hall, where local artists would perform a lunchtime concert for them. It gave them a chance to take a break, listen to some of the best sounds in Brum and a chance to engage with our Family Carers team.
Speaking of music, we also launched a project with Henry Liggins called ‘Creative Minds’. In these regular sessions, citizens could learn more about music theory, learn songs and instruments, with the goal of recording them in a real recording studio. The recording session happened earlier this month and you can check out the final track here.
This year, we recognised that it was our duty to offer exceptional support, guidance and service, regardless of who needed it. That’s why we launched the ‘Warm Spaces’ and bought a new Bungalow. The Warm Spaces project was in collaboration with Birmingham City Council, offering a place for the local community to come, enjoy a heated area, with hot drinks and food to purchase. We met people where they were at and ensured our newly launched Community Café was being put to the best use, to serve the people of Weoley Castle and South Birmingham in their potential times of need.
In addition, we took this same mentality in the purchase of our new Bungalow in Quinton. We fully renovated and kitted out a property for a citizen to live in. Originally living in a high-rise tower, with limited working elevators, our citizen now has a place to call home that is accessible and inclusive. Check out the renovation process over on our YouTube channel.
Beyond these practical projects, we offered employment skills workshops and volunteering opportunities through our PURE team working with Fircroft College. We hosted a graduation for citizens who had had placements and workshops with us and our partners. If you’d like to hear more about employment opportunities and skills you can learn, get in touch with our PURE team here:
Our final new project was launched by our Communication and Marketing team. A podcast! You may have seen a few of our monthly episodes already. Ashleigh Jones is our resident host on the show, ‘Citizen Chatter’, and has been interviewing some incredible guests. We have big plans for 2023, so watch this space. Catch up on all the available episodes via any podcast stores or our YouTube channel.
Wider West Midlands
Of course, we couldn’t give you a year in review without talking about our wider services across the West Midlands. This year we launched our Worcester Adult Services, had the Flyerz Festival in Coventry and Walsall continued their weekly activities.
The Flyerz Festival was the first grassroots inclusive disability hockey event that was ahead of the Commonwealth Games. We partnered with Access Sport and England Hockey to host over 100 participants throughout the festival, whereby disabled and non-disabled players came together to join in the fun. It was a huge success, seeing people from across Coventry and the West Midlands learn more about accessible sport.
Whereas over in Walsall, our Hub team continued their weekly timetable and saw a regular group of citizens develop their skills, make friendships and experience new places through day trips and sessions. You can catch up with what the Walsall team are doing through their Twitter or our Facebook page.
2022 saw our Worcester team officially launch day sessions for Adults in the area. From trips and experiences, to sessions that broadened their skills and friendships, we’ve seen a growing level of success in this new service we host. We’re aiming to broaden the Worcester service even further in 2023, so watch this space!
On-Going Services
Our final portion of our Year in Review is our two on-going services: Parkride and the Citizen’s Network Panel. They’ve seen steady growth with more people coming along to get involved in local activities, improve their health and wellbeing, and use their voices for change across the West Midlands.
Ashleigh Jones, our Include Me Coordinator, launched panel meetings this year. Every few weeks, citizens and their families could express their opinions and thoughts about having a disability or long-term health condition in the West Midlands, and what life is like. This year saw more face-to-face sessions as well as being accessible with meetings over Zoom too. Our next meeting is in January 2023; details can be found via our website.
Overall, it’s been another brilliant year. We’re so proud of our citizens, families and teams for all they have achieved. We’ve supported more communities than ever and we can’t wait for what 2023 brings!
If you would like to learn more about any of the services we offer at Midland Mencap:
Call: 0121 442 2944 or
Email: HCS@midlandmencap.org.uk
Have you ever thought about volunteering? But kids and childcare and errands and, and, and… don’t worry, we understand – life is busy!
There are many benefits to volunteering and here are 5 Reasons why you should make time to volunteer:
1. Improve Your Skills
Volunteering can improve your skills in a whole host of different ways. From communication to teamwork and time management, you’ll develop various skills that could be mentioned on your CV. Employers are always looking for excellent interpersonal skills and volunteering, even just a few hours a week, can really help with that.
2. Improve Your Mental Health
Helping and supporting others around you can improve your own Mental Health. Being able to focus on someone else can reduce the feeling of stress and improve well-being. This, in turn, can improve your confidence and self-esteem and bring a more positive outlook in new situations.
3. The Feel-Good Factor
Supporting a cause you are passionate about can give you that warm feeling inside, that you’re doing something good in your local community and for something you are passionate about.
Here at Midland Mencap, we love getting volunteers involved in our projects and want them to feel like they are giving back in the way they want to.
4. Meet New People
In a world that spends their life super-glued to their phone, volunteering offers that small window of opportunity to meet new people in your local community.
Whether you spend time with our citizens, wider Midland Mencap team or other volunteers, you’ll be able to form meaningful friendships with those around you.
Our Community and Group Befriender roles are the perfect examples of this and would be excellent if you want to spend quality time with citizens within the West Midlands area.
5. Gain New Experiences
Volunteering can allow you a few hours a week or month to experience something new. Whether it be through supporting an event or campaign we run or at some of our weekly sessions, you’ll find yourself making memories and learning more about your local community every time.
We offer a wide range of roles to get involved in. Whether you want to stick with one role or swap every few months, we can ensure you’ll have a fantastic experience volunteering with us, whatever you decide to be involved in. You can even attend taster sessions and find the role you.