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.
Our frontline support staff have been superhero’s throughout the last year and a half hear first hand from a family member how the housing care and support workers have managed to continued to give the best support to Angela regardless of the circumstance.
“I just wanted to write to ask you to pass on to the team that work with my Auntie my thanks for everything that they have done for Angela during this past year. It has been a great comfort to my family and I that Angela’s entire team has gone above and beyond in their care for her during the pandemic.
Aisha was really quick to ensure that Angela was safe at home and not going out unless it was essential right from last February before we were in any kind of lockdown. She has been instrumental in getting Angela the vaccine as soon as was possible and her and Karyl worked to make sure that Angela had her vaccine at home – repeatedly chasing up the Dr’s until Angela was put on the home visit list.
I would like to particularly extend my thanks to the staff for the speed with which they organised for Angela and myself to Skype as we could not visit. It has been incredible to be able to see Angela each week and see how well looked after she is. For someone who we almost lost last year to infections and a mini stroke she looks absolutely amazing.
Aisha, Karyl, Rama and Solange are doing a fantastic job looking after Angela under some very difficult circumstances and to see how Angela has improved each week makes us very happy. The dedication of the whole team to Angela’s care is something I will be forever grateful for. I was very pleased to hear how quickly the staff were vaccinated and how they are not taking Angela out until she has her second vaccine and we are looking forward to visiting Angela as soon as we have all been fully vaccinated too.
Once again, thank you to the entire team at Midland Mencap for taking such fantastic care during such trying times.”
If you would like to learn more about how our housing, care and support services can support you or a loved one call us on 0121 442 2944 or email HCS@midlandmencap.org.uk.
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 –
Having a personal budget can transform the way a person can make choices about how they want to lead there life, here’s Naomi’s story.
If you would like to learn more about how you could manage an individual budge contact us on 0121 442 2944 or Click Here.
Birmingham City Council wants to know what you think about some proposals for changes to the way they buy and allocate (also referred to as commissioning) adult social care packages and how independent care providers are managed.
Find out more about the consultation at the Birmingham Be Heard Website Here or by calling
0121 303 5154
The Consultation runs until 4th July.
Download the easy read guide here.
Click to watch our video talking about consultation in more detail here.