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
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
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.
If you’d like to get involved with us as a volunteer, check out our Volunteer Roles, click here.
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
Frequent visitors to the Enterprise Hub will certainly have met fresh-faced Oliver Clayton. Seated attentively at reception, you can be sure Ollie will give you a cheerful greeting upon arrival. Get him going on his favourite subjects (hockey and football) and he’ll keep you amused for ages.
Earlier in the year Ollie became the first person to ride one of Midland Mencap’s hand cycles in Sutton Park. “It was quite cold to start off with, in the snow,” he tells me, before going on to say he peddled in the park for ninety minutes. Was he tired and freezing by the finish? Hardly. He cycles every week, thus building strength and stamina.
Ollie is a seriously active man. An avid swimmer and hockey player, he was a key component of the Midland Mencap Flyerz Hockey Team that won Gold in Amsterdam last year at the 2017 Euro ParaHockey Championship. He hopes to match this achievement in Barcelona, in a few weeks.
In 2015 the Big Flyerz became the first team of adults with learning disabilities to represent England in a recognised tournament. All of the signs indicate they will take Barcelona by storm. With Ollie on board how can they fail?
-Tim Wright, Volunteer Reporter-
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-
On Sunday 3rd, Midland Mencap held their Weoley Winterland in their Enterprise Hub. It was an event for every one of all ages, from those at Mencap to their families and locals alike!
The festive stalls included arts & crafts, a tombola, a raffle, a cake sale, the fantastic Sing and Sign choir and Santa’s workshop – it’s safe to say there was plenty for everyone to do, no matter their age or interests.
I volunteered on the Arts & Crafts stall, making Christmas tree decorations out of painted lollipop sticks, pipe cleaners, pompoms and string. There were some impressive trees decorations crafted and it was great to meet people of all ages – from tiny children to the elderly and I was overjoyed by their enthusiasm. The eagerness of all the volunteers and staff in making the event a success was infectious. It was truly rewarding and I recommend volunteering at these events wholeheartedly.
With over 120 people attending and £402.63 raised for the charity, it was hugely successful and the atmosphere was wonderful. It really felt like Christmas had come and I’m looking forward to more events like this as it was an impressive turnout, a lot of fun and all for important causes!
– Kat, Reporter Volunteer –
One of the things I love most about our fabulous Midland Mencap volunteers is how ready and willing they are to ‘go above and beyond’ their regular volunteer role and help out at one-off special occasions and events as well.
This generosity of spirit was in evidence at our Sailing Day this summer when several of our enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers came along to Aldridge Sailing Club to help support adults with learning disabilities to have a fun day out on the water.
One of these volunteers was Claire Bayley: our brilliant Volunteer DJ who spins the decks every Thursday at the Midland Mencap disco night in Walsall. We already knew that Claire had awesome musical and DJ-ing skills but now, after the Sailing Day, we know that her skills in supporting people are pretty amazing too.
A lady called Jean had come along to take part in the Sailing Day. When she arrived, she was feeling very nervous and was reticent to get on a boat. Claire sat with Jean and chatted to her about how she was feeling, giving her as much reassurance as she could. Thanks to Claire’s support and encouragement, Jean finally felt able to face her fear and give sailing a go. Needless to say, she ended up having a great time out on the water – with Claire supporting her the whole time.
Thank you Claire! And thank you to all our volunteers who come to help out at events like these. You make such a massive difference, and we really couldn’t put on such fabulous events without you.
If you have been inspired by this month’s volunteering blog, you can find all of our current voluntary opportunities on the Do It website here.
-Hayley Stokes, Volunteer Coordinator-
Friends and family joined Midland Mencap staff, volunteers and members to celebrate The 4th Annual Sports Awards Evening.
2016 celebrated The Year of Participation, and with over 200 sports activities taken place over the year, participation seemed a fitting theme.
MP Richard Burden joined the evenings celebrations which saw Midland Mencap staff presenting players in various award categories.
“By encouraging involvement in a wide range of sports, Midland Mencap are putting inclusion into practice, building confidence and changing lives. It is also great to see real achievements recognised in the Sports Awards,” said Richard.
Winners at this year’s award include:
New member of the year – Salma Begum
Team of the year – Midland Mencap Development football team, players include Kath, Jo, Oliver, Nigel, Rob, Bryn, Jordan, Matthew & Jerome
Most improved athlete – Jordan Chandler
Most Improved athlete– Asim Latif
Sporting achievements – Nigel Smith
Sports personality – Jerome Browne
To find out more about getting involved with sports at Midland Mencap, either as a participant or volunteer, please contact The Sports Team on 0121-427-6404