Despite a light drizzle, over a hundred determined runners, joggers, walkers, and wheelers gathered in Sutton Park to take on Midland Mencap’s Sutton Park Challenge, and what a day it was!
The energy was high from the start, with the exciting 5k and 10k races kicking off at 10am, followed by the family-friendly 1k at 11:30am. Each participant, from seasoned racers to first-time walkers, showed amazing determination and heart throughout the day.
A standout moment of the day was seeing Elisha and Billy, riding their accessible bikes with parkride, joining the 5k and 10k participants for the first time. Their enthusiasm and grit perfectly captured the spirit of inclusivity and community that the Sutton Park Challenge represents.
We want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who took part. Whether you were chasing a personal best, enjoying a scenic walk, or taking on the hills with friends, your involvement helps make a real difference for people with learning disabilities and their families across the West Midlands. Together, we are building a future where everyone is valued, included, and empowered.
Equally, a special thank you goes to our incredible volunteer marshals. Whether you were guiding runners, cheering them on, assisting in the car park or race village, or contributing your time and skills in other ways, you played an essential role in making this day a success. Your dedication and support kept everything running smoothly, and we hope you’re proud of the impact you made. We simply couldn’t have done it without you!
Be sure to check out your race times and browse through the amazing photos from the event. These memories will stay with us, and so will the positive impact you’ve made!
Missed this year’s event or already excited for the next one?
You won’t have to wait long! We’ll be announcing the date for next year’s Sutton Park Challenge in January. Whether you run, jog, walk, or wheel, we’ve got a spot for you, and we can’t wait to welcome you again!
Thank you again for your incredible support. We are already looking forward to seeing you next year!
Hi, I am Tom. Since January 2024, I have been volunteering at Midland Mencap’s parkride sessions, primarily at Woodgate Valley and Cannon Hill Park. These sessions offer a wonderful opportunity to engage with the community and support individuals with learning disabilities through cycling activities. Volunteering here has been a rewarding experience that combines my passion for cycling with meaningful community service.
The Role of a parkride Volunteer
At parkride, the social aspect is just as important as the physical activity. I enjoy getting to know the citizens, figuring out which bikes they prefer, and helping them get ready for their rides. Whether it is a casual cruise or a more energetic ride, I’m there to support and motivate them. This involves adjusting the bikes to suit everyone’s needs, providing encouragement, and sometimes accompanying them on their rides to ensure they feel safe and confident. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see the joy and sense of achievement on their faces as they ride.
Why I Chose Midland Mencap
After being made unemployed, I found myself with a lot of free time. My previous job as a bike courier had me searching for cycling-related volunteering opportunities. I discovered Midland Mencap’s parkride volunteer listing on Google, and it felt like the perfect way to spend my time meaningfully. I was looking for something that would keep me active and allow me to use my skills in a positive way. The idea of helping people enjoy cycling, especially those who might not otherwise have the opportunity, was very appealing to me.
Personal Rewards from Volunteering
Volunteering at parkride is incredibly fun and fulfilling. Meeting regular participants and watching their progress is immensely satisfying. For me, it’s also about building confidence, knowing that I can make a positive impact. Being outdoors, on my bike, aligns perfectly with my lifestyle since I don’t own a car and rely on cycling for transportation. Every session feels like an adventure, and I love the sense of community that has developed among the volunteers and participants. It’s a great way to stay fit and healthy while contributing to a good cause.
Memorable Moments
One of my favourite experiences was with Mathew, a participant at Woodgate. Over time, I’ve seen him become more verbal and confident. Soon, we’ll be able to go on longer rides together, like the Bournville Walkway, after my training. This journey with Mathew has been incredibly inspiring, showing me the importance of patience and consistent support. Another memorable moment was at Cannon Hill, where I helped a strong cyclist transition from a smaller tricycle to a regular bike. Seeing him reach his potential was incredibly rewarding. We went for a longer, faster ride, and the excitement and pride he felt were palpable. These moments remind me why I volunteer and the impact we can have on each other’s lives.
Making a Difference in the Community
My presence at busy sessions helps ensure that everyone gets a chance to ride without waiting too long. It’s not just about the bike rides but facilitating an enjoyable and fulfilling experience for the participants. By being there to assist, I can help streamline the process of getting participants on bikes, reducing wait times, and increasing the overall enjoyment of the session. This means that more people can participate and benefit from the activities. It’s gratifying to know that my efforts contribute to making the sessions run smoothly and effectively.
Learning and Growth
Since I started volunteering, I’ve gained significant confidence in being responsible for others. Engaging with people with learning disabilities has been a valuable skill I’ve developed, and it’s taught me a lot about communication and patience. These experiences are not only personally rewarding but also applicable to potential future career paths in education and caregiving. I’ve learned about safeguarding practices and how to handle various situations that might arise during the sessions. This has given me a greater sense of responsibility and the confidence to take on leadership roles within the volunteer team.
Advice for Aspiring Volunteers
To anyone considering volunteering at Midland Mencap, I say just do it! It’s a lot of fun, and as you keep coming back, you’ll see the tangible impact you’re making. The relationships you build with the citizens make it all worthwhile. You’ll find yourself returning not just for the activity but to catch up with friends and witness their growth and confidence. Volunteering here has been an incredible journey, and I look forward to continuing to make a difference, one bike ride at a time. The sense of community and the positive atmosphere make it a truly enriching experience that I highly recommend to anyone looking to volunteer.
Want to learn more about volunteering at Midland Mencap? Click here
I have been volunteering with Midland Mencap for a couple of months now and it has exceeded my expectations.
I initially joined as a placement student from university and while capturing content from one of the football sessions I really enjoyed the environment I was in and the engagements I was having. I went back to the office and talked to the Volunteering Manager about joining in with the football. A very easy process of providing a few key details, having a simple chat about the role and since my DBS was already done, I was ready to go.
I attend when I can, and I let the team know I will be coming in and from there I have as much fun as anyone else there whilst making a difference in someone else’s life. Over the weeks I have seen improvements in how social everyone has become with me and with other new people while working on their football skills. I feel like I am part of the team and feel welcomed by both the staff and the players which is mostly from how much fun we have together.
I will help set up and support the staff with activities which puts my knowledge of football, communication, and support into action while also keeping physically fit. I have developed my ability to communicate with different people as the group is so varied and unique and I feel a lot more confident with newcomers too. This has put inclusiveness at the heart of football for everyone and it has made me happy to see those with learning disabilities receive equal opportunities at a game many of us love and enjoy.
I have had personal experience with learning disability through friends and family, so I understood the difficulties and barriers they have in certain areas of life. Here at Midland Mencap, you will see results from your efforts and that is fulfilling to see. You are supported by staff, praised by parents and carers, and treated as a friend by your new teammates.
My favourite part has been the tournaments the team go to every month. Before the games have even started, the team is excited to see one another and warm up for games. I support them in a few warmup drills alongside the coaches and it is great to see the confidence in the team going into games. The matches themselves will keep you on your toes as you are always eager to see your team do well. There is plenty of cheering, exciting drama and nonstop crazy celebrations. You will feel proud and fulfilled from the whole journey with the team which is a fraction of the reasons you will want to keep coming back.
If you have a passion for sports and for football especially, this is a perfect opportunity to make a difference and find a community of people that are as passionate as you are. I joined for the love of football, and I stayed to continue seeing others enjoy the sport as much as I do especially if they never had the opportunities me and you did.
Want to learn more about volunteering at Midland Mencap? Click here
By Zaryab Khan
Midland Mencap FC, Birmingham Ability Counts League, Match Report Sunday 17th December 2023
Squad:
James Lowe – Today’s captain, Ben Twells, Katharine Hyslop, Jordan Chandler, Dale Shore and Scott Cox.
Unfortunately for our last set of games we were without 3 regular players with Oliver Clayton, Liam Black & Sam Robinson unavailable. Everyone wished them all a great Christmas and hoped to see them all again in 2024!
The weather was certainly chilly, and it welcomed the Mencap media team (Zaryab & Lewis) to witness their first session. They were also able to photo all the players in their brilliant new kit and complete numerous interviews with players and parents.
The players all looked buoyed by their physical appearance in their new kit – which was fantastic!
Versus Sutton Blues
Game 1
Score: MMFC 0-2 Sutton Blues
Team: Scott Cox (GK), James Lowe, Kath Hyslop, Jordan Chandler, Ben Twells
This game got off at a cracking pace with both sides going close! Scott Cox was forced to make two splendid saves and MM showed some great passing moves. Captain for the day, James Lowe had two tremendous shots just go wide as MM pressed forward. A slight defensive mix up allowed the opponents to score their first goal. Just before the final whistle Sutton sneaked another goal, but MM had contributed to an excellent game.
Game 2
Score MMFC 0-1 Sutton Blues
Team: Dale Shore (GK), Ben Twells, James Lowe, Kath Hyslop, Scott Cox & Jordan Chandler
This game was very exciting, with chances at both ends. Jordan Chandler had a great shot that went close as did James Lowe. This was followed be a super challenge from Ben Twells chasing back. Then Scott Cox came to rescue the team with a fabulous clearance. Despite all the great defending, MM conceded a goal against the run of play. There was still time for an equaliser and both Scott and James going close – with James’ shot hitting the post.
Versus Aston Villa
Game 1:
Score: MMFC 0-0 AVFC
Team: Scott Cox (GK), James Lowe, Kath Hyslop, Jordan Chandler & Ben Twells
What a game! Against very strong opposition MM really all worked hard, together to keep out the opponents. There was some really great tackling and interceptions to deny Villa. After some great passing MM hit the post, through James Lowe.
Kath, Jordan & Ben all worked really well in both attack and defence. Then, Scott Cox was called into action again, making two really super saves.
The game ended goalless, but it was a fine performance from MM.
Game 2:
Score MMFC 1-1 AVFC
Team: Scott Cox (GK), Jordan Chandler, Dale Shore, Ben Twells & Kath Hyslop
MM continued to try to play good football with lots of passing to each other. Their first great move resulted in a corner. This was followed by a great shot from Dale Shore that just went wide! Then another shot from Dale hit the post before MM took the lead through a tremendous Ben Twells strike.
The game continued end to end with Kath Hyslop passing to Jordan Chandler who hit another great shot wide. At the other end GK Scott Cox made two fab saves to keep MM ahead.
With the seconds running down AVFC manged to scramble an equaliser to finish off a great game.
Versus Birmingham City
Game 1:
Score: MMFC 1-0 BCFC
Team: Dale Shore (GK), Kath Hyslop, Scott Cox, Ben Twells & Jordan Chandler
The coaches changed the MM set up around a little for this game with Dale going in goal with Scott slotting in at the back and Kath going up front. The team showed great spirit in their defending and came close to scoring on a couple of occasions. Dale was forced into making two great saves, whilst just before James came on as a sub, Kath had set up some chances and one of those opportunities was rewarded when Jordan Chandler struck a great long-range effort that proved to be the deserved winning goal!
Game 2:
Score MMFC 0-3 BCFC
Team: Dale Shore (GK), Kath Hyslop, Scott Cox, Ben Twells and Jordan Chandler
In our final game of the day BCFC just proved a little too strong for a spirited MM team. Despite some great goalkeeping from Dale and some great blocks, clearances and challenges from Jordan, Kath, Scott and Ben MM slipped to defeat, but came out of all their games with enormous pride.
Well played everyone!
In the post-match interview a truly delighted team manager, Suzanne Cashmore, was glowing in her praise for all the team members: “Charis and I have been absolutely delighted with how the team played today, both individually and as a team”. Suzanne added “their performance today showed how far they have all progressed; two draws and a great win was the ideal way to sign off for Christmas”
The fan zone also echoed those comments, with Ian ‘Tesco’ Chandler, Adrian ‘funny boy’ Twells & Mick ‘the cap’ Cox all vocal in their support of the team. The ladies were of course in total support but showed much more decorum.
Referee Roy was as even handed as usual despite large wads on fivers being waved in his face from the rowdy support crowd!
The players and coaching staff want to wish everyone a happy Christmas and healthy New Year and we look to welcoming everyone back in 2024, not only to the Sunday Ability Counts League, but also the Tuesday early evening sessions at Moseley School.
Happy Christmas to you all.
Author: John Hyslop
Support our fundraiser for the MMFC new kit and equipment on JustGiving page at https://bit.ly/3Nyo7V4.
Hello To all my readers as you know due to the current situation we have found ourselves in I did not think the marathon was going ahead then I found out that a virtual London marathon was going ahead!
To be honest I knew it would be hard but for everyone who knows me after the struggles I have been through and it’s been tough! I had enough grit and determined inside of me with the amount of training I did and preparing for it. I was not going to walk away from this and giving up.
I was nervous having everyone in my Midland Mencap’s family and friends and other people I have to meet through hockey all believing in me was proof I had it inside of me with what has been a very tough year it would be an amazing achievement. To remember it would be the hardest and toughest challenge with help from my coach Jonathan and my guide runner Mark who was meant to be doing London together they were both committed to helping me run.
Also, Dan Floyd from Mencap gave his advice and leading up to it my run Adam Bone just by his phone calls really helped prepared me mentally and even if it rained it wouldn’t stop me my route was from roheath pavilion Pershore road then round cannon hill. Which is a beautiful park as my scenery.
So the day itself full of butterflies and excited so once I set off a nice slow pace it was going really well but there would be a technical problem with my phone which meant I had to break. But in doing so I was able to have a flapjack for energy sadly at that point I did lose my coach Jon. I was so greatful for his help on my first part of my journey! So it was up to me and Mark to finish it yes I was scared but through sheer grit I pushed through yes it took me eight hours before I finished me and my Guide runner Mark had meet not knowing each other wanted to finish.
This is as were a team and yes to my mum I’ll always be her legend those last few moments where I felt pain in my legs I wasn’t going to finish until the app said complete. Me, my mum and Mark all looked at each other and when it said complete we all jumped in the air!!
My journey had come this I had done my part as a Midland Mencap ambassador and shown what those with a disability can do I will continue to help those who need help and I am going to keep running and take on London and other marathons because there is nothing I can’t achieve so watch this space thank you for reading and with losing Honey that was really hard but I ran for her and I am never going to a dark place because she would want me to be happy.
The excitement and anticipation could be felt all over Sutton Park on Saturday 5th October as participants and supporters gathered together for a great day of activity, fundraising and personal achievements.
The day commenced with the cycle event where many of our parkriders rode their way to complete an impressive 5km; an amazing achievement for all who took part. This was then followed by 112 enthusiastic individuals taking on either a 5km or 10km run and many more individuals partaking in the 1km fun run which concluded the day. With a mixture of runners, joggers, walkers, bikers and wheelchair users it really was a day for everyone.
As a charity who strive for inclusivity and equality within society, it was especially pleasing to see that was this felt by all those involved in the event. With one participant saying, ‘I’m delighted today’s event has been so inclusive, and everyone has found their own way to take part’ and another saying it was ‘fab to see different people join in confident that they had been thought about! That’s how to deliver an inclusive sports event’. This kind of feedback is always wonderful to receive and proves we are on the right track.
We saw some fantastic results over the day and a special shout out should go to Tim Livesey for winning the 10km in a superb time of 39:44 closely followed in by Dan Melia and Naved Akhtar, and Ruth Horton the first female across the line in an impressive time of 52:58. Martin Farmer dominated the 5km with a winning time of 22:20 and Ruby Inman took the first female with an equally amazing time of 28:00 dead.
Another notable run came from Tom Kirby who took part in this year’s 10km. Tom has been supported at Midland Mencap for over 3 years now and as a keen runner has decided to run the London Marathon with Freddie another individual supported by a local group Harpenden Mencap. They will be running the London Marathon for Mencap as a squad of 15 runners to give back to all those who have helped them over the years. This will be an amazing achievement and we ask everyone to please get behind Tom and Freddie and the 13 other runners and support them through their London Marathon journey. Check out Tom’s fundraising page here
All finishers were awarded medals to mark their achievement and all photos of the event are now available to view online. Check out all the photo’s on our Facebook page here.
Massive thanks have to go to all our volunteers. Without all of you lovely people we would not be able to put on these great events and again massive congratulations must be given to all our runners and participants.
We look forward to welcoming you all back next year when we hope to make the event even bigger and more successful. Keep your eyes peeled for further information but for now, a big THANK YOU!
– Eloise Bull –
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.
Midland Mencap took the England Flyerz Hockey team to take part in the FC Barcelona Para Hockey Festival last week. I was one on the lucky players where we competed against Holland, Spain, Italy, Belgium and Ireland. From the moment we landed no one could have predicted how hot it was going to be!
Compared to Amsterdam where we had one team this time we were able to have 2 teams in Intermediate and Beginners levels. As a player to experience playing in both teams has helped me to grow as a player, Ross as a captain was always there to help guide me and my team mates, which I really appreciated. As well Steve and Laura gave me the confidence I needed in the Beginners to push myself to the next level and help guide my teammates to victory.
Off the pitch compared to Amsterdam last year we were brought closer together as a team with walking round the FC Barcelona Stadium and cooling down having fun in the pool.
We also welcomed Tunbridge Wells Flyerz hockey players and coaches to our team and they made it possible for us to win Bronze at intermediate level and Silver at the beginners level but really it wasn’t about what we achieved it was about having fun and playing hockey together!
It was a remarkable experience and one that I’ll never forget and I can’t wait to get back to training. Your Number Nine player Tom Kirby.
Check out all the photos from the FC Barcelona Para Hockey Festival here
-Tom Kirby, Flyerz Hockey Player-
Canoe River trip, Friday 27th July
Come and have a relaxing paddle down the River Severn and stop in Bewdley for some Fish and Chips!
Learn more
Be safe online course, part 1 Wednesday 1st August, part 2 Thursday 29th August
Come along to our relaxed sessions to learn how to use the internet and social media safely. Learn how to spot someone ‘real’ online. Learn which sites are safe to use.
Learn more
Climbing and bowling, Friday 3rd August
Come along for a fun morning of adventure climbing followed by bowling in the afternoon.
Learn more
Graffiti day, Saturday 11th August
Join Charlie and learn about graffiti methods and design. Take home your own personal canvas. Be part of designing and making a graffiti mural at The Enterprise Hub.
Learn more
Kayaking 2 day Course, Thursday 16th August and Friday 17th August
Come and improve your kayaking skills over this 2 day course and work towards your Paddle Power Awards (Nationally Recognised Qualification). This trip may include a trip along the canal.
Learn more
Alton Towers, Friday 31st August
Come along and spend a day on the rides at our Alton Towers day trip. Cost includes park entry and transport from The Enterprise Hub or Clifton Road.
Learn more
Midland Mencap is celebrating after being awarded £343,465 of National Lottery funding from Sport England to help low income families of children with Special Educational Need and/or Disabilities (SEND) in Birmingham get active with their children.
Four out of five primary school children do not get the recommended amount of daily exercise of 60 minutes a day, and are missing out on the benefits it brings. Children from low income families are most likely to do very little physical activity.
Midland Mencap’s ‘parkride’ family cycling project is one of the first projects to receive investment from a £40 million National Lottery funding pot that Sport England has dedicated to helping families get active together.
The fund is a key part of Sport England’s focus on helping young people have an enjoyable experience of sport and physical activity so they develop a positive attitude towards being active at an early age and continue being active in later life.
Sport England are funding organisations that help families get active together, because parents and close family members can have a big impact on children’s experiences. As well as giving children direct access to sporting opportunities, Sport England research shows that they are also significant role models in helping their children get active – because how a parent behaves impacts what a child sees as important.
Parents who are active themselves, and enjoy it, can encourage positive feelings about exercise and its value in their children. Yet many parents lack the skills or confidence to take part in sport with their children as they fear they cannot keep up. For example, if adults don’t know how to swim or lack confidence on a bike, this has a knock-on impact on the activities they feel they can do as a family and how much they encourage children to take part.
Each of the funded projects will work to address this by building adults’ confidence around getting active with their children, and by providing experiences for families that are enjoyable, convenient and low cost.
Midland Mencap understand that people can lead very busy lives so finding time to take part in activities together as a family can be a real challenge. For families of children with Special Educational Need and/or Disabilities (SEND) it can be even more difficult to find activities, events and things to do as a family.
1. The Chief Medical Officer recommends that children and young people do at least 60 minutes of moderate physical activity every day. Currently, just 23% of boys and 20% of girls meet the national recommended level of activity. 47% of children from the households with the lowest incomes do low levels of activity. Health Survey for England 2016: Children’s health information Sport England commissioned-research conducted by The Behavioural Architects 2017
‘parkride’ is a fun, free and flexible inclusive family cycling project that provides the whole family, regardless of need with the opportunity to enjoy cycling.
The project will be based at Midland Mencap’s Outdoor Learning Centre in Sutton Park, and will provide families access to a range of adapted and mainstreams bikes and specially designed routes.
Sport England’s Director of Children and Young People Jayne Molyneux said:
“It’s not right that four in five children don’t get enough exercise and are missing out on the health benefits it brings. Just by seeing their parents being active, children can be inspired to do the same, and if they have an enjoyable experience they’re far more likely to continue as an adult.
“Parents have many demands on their time, and often lack the confidence to get active with their children. That’s why Sport England is working hard to make getting active with your children an easy choice. With this new National Lottery funding, Midland Mencap will be able to provide families with access to a range of adapted and mainstream bikes to enjoy together for free.
Midland Mencap’s Head of Children, Young People and Community Services Edd Terrey said:
“We are thrilled to have received this National Lottery Funding to develop the ‘parkride’ cycling project. This funding will allow us to start breaking down some of the main barriers that can prohibit families of children with SEND from taking part in physical activities together”
For more information:
Email: parkride@midlandmencap.org.uk
Twitter: @ParkRideMM
Facebook: ParkrideUK
Website: www.parkride.co.uk
About Sport England
Sport England is a public body and invests up to £300 million National Lottery and government money each year in projects and programmes that help people get active and play sport.
It wants everyone in England, regardless of age, background, or level of ability, to feel able to engage in sport and physical activity. That’s why a lot of its work is specifically focused on helping people who do no, or very little, physical activity and groups who are typically less active – like women, disabled people and people on lower incomes.
About Midland Mencap
Midland Mencap is a charity which works and campaigns for accessible and inclusive services and a better quality of life for everyone with experience of learning disabilities and additional needs.
Our vision is a world where everybody is valued and included as active and equal citizens in their community regardless of need.