Mencap Liverpool & Sefton - empowering learning disabilities

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Friday 4th July 2025

Today our amazing team of presenters from our Reach Out radio show on @lcr1067fm met up. We had a debrief and talked about how everyone felt during the Radio Takeover for Learning Disability Awareness Week. We reflected on what had happened and the pride and positivity from everyone was incredible! Everyone spoke about how much they enjoyed the experience and how proud they felt to be part of something so meaningful during #LearningDisabilityWeek We also read some of the guest feedback – it was just the motivation we needed to start planning the next one! Here’s what they had to say: “Everyone knew what they were doing and support was always on hand.” “I was a bag of nerves, but the team really helped me feel at ease.” “It was great to do something for local people and for those experiencing disability.” “We loved sharing our work with a wider audience – a brilliant opportunity!” 100% rated the organisation of the takeover as Excellent 100% would come back or maybe return 100% would work with Mencap Liverpool & Sefton again We’re so proud of everyone who stepped up, spoke out and made Reach Out such a brilliant celebration of learning disability voices. Let’s do it all again soon! #MencapLiverpoolAndSefton #LCR_106.7fm #LDWeek2025 #LearningDisabilityAwareness #DisabilityVoices #CommunityRadio #InclusionMatters #LCR1067FM #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs #RadioTakeover #ChangingPerceptions #LiverpoolCharity #SeftonCharity

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Monday 30th June 2025

On Thursday our Outreach Manager Jo attended a performance by Collective Encounters at the Black-E, exploring the barriers people in Liverpool face when trying to access the legal support they need. The event combined theatre and consultation, shining a light on how complex and confusing the system can be, especially for people already facing difficulties or disadvantage. Councillor Jane Corbett and other decision-makers were there to listen to what people had to say- people said that our advice services should: 🔹️ treat people with dignity and respect - people should not feel ashamed for needing help 🔹️ It needs to be in our local areas 🔹️ we need face-to-face support 🔹️ we think that it needs ring-fenced funding for services that people rely on. At Mencap Liverpool and Sefton, we believe it is vital that people with learning disabilities and others who are often excluded are part of these conversations. The issues raised affect people with learning disabilities in the City. We’ll continue to follow this work and push for positive change. @collectiveencounters #LegalSupportMatters #InclusionMatters #LearningDisabilityAwareness #LiverpoolCommunity #CollectiveEncounters #DisabilityRights #AdvocacyInAction #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs #SocialJustice #HumanRights #CommunityVoices #SupportNotStigma #FaceToFaceMatters #DignityAndRespect ##Mencapliverpoolandsefton

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Monday 30th June 2025

Last week, our brilliant Chair of Mencap Members Voice, Amanda, went to see Dua Lipa at Anfield with her friend – and had an amazing time! Amanda said: "It was a good experience. I really enjoyed it. My favourite song was One Kiss." We love it when members share stories of being out enjoying life, building confidence, and making wonderful memories. #Mencapliverpoolandsefton #Inclusion #MembersVoice #DuaLipa #Anfield #GoodTimes

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Tuesday 24th June 2025

Our Outreach Manager Jo met with our wonderful member Steve for a cuppa and a chat. Ste has been in the wars a bit recently but is starting to feel a but more like himself. Through everything Ste has continued to work on ways to fundraise for us here @mencapliverpool and James Horrigan Court. Steve still has some of the beautiful bespoke t-shirts he created for his craft fair for sale. It was so lovely to catch up Ste - we can't wait to see you back at Mencap Community Cottage.

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Friday 20th June 2025

🌟🌟 It’s a wrap! 🌟🌟 We’ve just finished our incredible #LDRadioTakeover for Learning Disability Week 2025 and we are bursting with pride! Over 5 days, our amazing presenters Mencap Liverpool and Sefton members Racheal Roy, Rachel Holmes Bennett, Lewis Scott, Sue Wignall, and volunteer Tony Bennett, supported by Jo Bruce Outreach Manager, interviewed 25 guests live on @lcr_106.7fm. We talked about everything—from mental health, annual health checks and healthy eating to employment, creativity, supported living and local community action. We raised awareness and celebrated our voices. A massive thank you to every guest, every listener, and especially to the wonderful team at LCR 106.7FM for helping make this happen. You’ve helped us shine a light on what really matters: inclusion, equality, and being heard. This has been a powerful, unforgettable week—and we hope everyone listening saw what we already know: people with learning disabilities are experts by experience, with so much to say and share. 💥 Thank you for seeing us, hearing us, and celebrating with us! Good bye until l next year! 🎉💛 #LearningDisabilityWeek #LDWeek2025 #MencapLiverpoolandsefton #LDRadioTakeover #RadioWithAHeart #WeSeeYou #InclusionMatters #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs #DisabilityAwareness #LDRadio #SpotlightOnLD #GratitudePost #ThankYou #LCR_106.7fm If you missed any of our shows here are the links for each show this week MONDAY 16TH JUNE https://www.spreaker.com/episode/mencap-monday-16th-june--66578657?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR7nyYsO5xI_5y2NCfvIePZDJR7SLnBQfjaWBr9vyHh0f7lV4T9CSmdlbMjabw_aem_wMgP3s5b27sOypjh-M3TPA&sfnsn=scwspwa TUESDAY 17TH JUNE https://www.spreaker.com/episode/mencap-tuesday-17th-june--66591030?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR7wyTrGm83DHCQXtqNhB8-uDKcSP8Gp10T9YYnn_BsmdQ-R5sNcnHnulp8jmg_aem_TL27gJySLJZIFSeipbrCwA&sfnsn=scwspwa WEDNESDAY 18TH JUNE https://www.spreaker.com/episode/mencap-wednesday-19th-june--66602486 THURSDAY 19TH JUNE https://www.spreaker.com/episode/mencap-thursday-19th-june--66628133 FRIDAY 20TH JUNE https://www.spreaker.com/episode/mencap-friday-20th-june--66652890

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Friday 20th June 2025

To close our final day of the #LDRadioTakeover, Sue interviewed Leah and Lucy, apprentice dietitians from Mersey Care. They have been working really hard to complete their degrees whilst working and will be qualified next year – good luck we know you will do it. Leah and Lucy spoke to us about healthy eating, balanced diets, and how dietitians support people with learning disabilities. Their top tips: Try to keep snacks under 100 calories Do not go shopping when you are hungry Plan your meals and snacks before you go shopping Check your cupboards, freezer and fridge before you go shopping If you are feeling like a snack choose fruit, yoghurt, veggies with hummus, or low-fat options like crisps with less than 100 calories Try not to have more than 2 snacks in a day Check portion sizes and balance your plate The NHS website has loads of useful information Whether you’re underweight or overweight, - or if your not sure - talk to someone you trust – a friend, a family member or carer and they can help you to speak to your GP – taking the first step is so important. Huge thanks to Leah, Lucy, and Sue for such an informative conversation - the time flew over – we would really like to invite you back to talk more in the future! If you didn’t hear the show don’t worry this is the link https://www.spreaker.com/episode/mencap-thursday-19th-june--66628133 #LearningDisabilityWeek #LDWeek2025 #MencapLiverpool #HealthyEating #MerseyCare #LDHealthMatters #WeSeeYou #FoodEducation #InclusionMatters #EatWellFeelWell #DietitianSupport #LDRadio #Mencapliverpoolandsefton #mencap #RadioTakeover #HealthInFocus @lcr_106.7fm @merseycarenhsft

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Friday 20th June 2025

Today we welcomed back a familiar face—Gemma Longworth! Racheal Roy sat down with Gemma to chat about her incredible work and how she helped us transform our Coffee Shop. In May 2023. Gemma brought colour, creativity, and joy to our space during a 3-day makeover with a team of artists, friends, volunteers and of course our members - to make the Coffee Shop a colourful, vibrant and welcoming space. The show-stopping pieces are the beautifully painted chairs that were decorated individually and are an exhibition in themselves – get along and check them out! Gemma also gave all of us a masterclass on upcycling and spent the 3 days teaching us how to sugar soap, sand and prep ready for painting and we decorated every bit of furniture in the place. It was a brilliant Bank Holiday and we all had an amazing time full of lots of laughs and made friends for life! Gemma also spoke about her work with young people at Alder Hey using Art Therapy, and her inspiring book Craft Your Cure. – get down to Waterstones for your copy it is a superb read and has great ideas in it too. The interview reminded us how powerful creativity is in helping people feel seen, supported, and empowered. Thank you Gemma for your energy, kindness and the magic you bring. And a big well done to Racheal for a fab interview! 💜 If you didn’t get to hear the interview don’t worry – the link is below https://www.spreaker.com/episode/mencap-friday-20th-june--66652890 #LearningDisabilityWeek #LDWeek2025 #MencapLiverpool #ArtTherapy #CraftYourCure #GemmaLongworth #CreativeWellbeing #DisabilityInclusion #WeSeeYou #InAnotherPlace #RadioTakeover #LDRadio #Mencapliverpoolandsefton #AlderHey #TransformationThroughArt @gemma_longworth_diy @lcr_106.7fm

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Friday 20th June 2025

It’s the final day of our #LDRadioTakeover on @lcr1067fm, and what a way to start! Today, Sue interviewed the brilliant Dr Simon Abrams, who returned to talk about the Be Breast Savvy campaign and why it’s so important for women with learning disabilities to attend their mammograms. Dr Simon highlighted the lower uptake in North Liverpool and the need for more awareness. He also told us about a powerful new "Time is Precious" song to encourage more women to book their breast screenings—it’ll be released soon alongside a video. 🎵 He also shared info on the Lung Cancer Screening Programme: If you've ever smoked 100 cigarettes or more, and you're over 55, you’ll be contacted to take part. It’s a quick call and possibly a scan in a mobile unit, with fast results. It could save lives. A huge thank you to Dr Simon Abrams and Sue for such a thoughtful and important interview. If you didn’t get to hear the show today don’t worry – click on the link below https://www.spreaker.com/episode/mencap-friday-20th-june--66652890 #LearningDisabilityWeek #LDWeek2025 #MencapLiverpoolandsefton #BeBreastSavvy #LungCancerAwareness #AnnualHealthChecks #WeSeeYou #InclusionMatters #HealthForAll #RadioTakeover #LDRadio #SpotlightOnLD #Mencap #TimeIsPrecious #NorthLiverpool @lcr_106.7fm @be_breast_savvy

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Friday 20th June 2025

Lovely afternoon at @museumofliverpool celebrating, showcasing and challenging all things Learning Disability to mark Learning Disability Awareness Week 2025 We chatted about our I Easy Read Campaign, Mencap Myth Busters and had screenings of videos of our latest projects and more! Thanks to everyone who came along ❣️ We are hoping to host more events at @museumofliverpool so watch this space! 👀🤩

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Friday 20th June 2025

This week marks Learning Disability Awareness week, and last week we had a very special celebration event for a very special research project 'Yes We See You!'with @ljmu Equality & Diversity funded project 🥳 'Yes we see you' project was in response to the Learning Disability Week theme of 'Do you see me' 👀 This pilot project was all about adults with learning disabilities being seen, heard and valued and having the opportunity to have a university experience 🎓 It's been a phenomenal project - superheroes to singers, to authors to actors and so much more! 👩‍🎤🎬 We were also thrilled to have sudleysings perform at our event and they definitely know how to get the crowd going 👏 And massive thanks to LJMU for gifting us our very own Kinball! And to @kinballukreal for providing the pump! 🤩 We hope this is the beginning of a fantastic partnership with LJMU moving forward and we are really excited for what's in store! Thank you to everyone who made this possible ❤️

Our Strategic Objectives

May 2025

Our Team have thought about the ways that we can improve everything that we do.

So we have created 4 strategic objectives that will guide all of our work. These are

1. Maximising out income to ensure financial stability of the charity - increasing our % of unrestricted income year on year
2. Supporting our members to grow and thrive by providing a safe space for members to explore, grow and get help during difficult times.
3. Creating a community environment where everyone is welcome -providing a community space that promotes inclusivity and broadens our reach.
4. Promoting Mencap Liverpool & Sefton across a wide range of partners and stakeholders.

EasyFundraising for Mencap Liverpool & Sefton!

30th January 2025

Can’t afford to donate but like to shop? Please support us by signing up to EasyFundraising! It only takes a minute and won’t cost you a penny!

EasyFundraising partners with over 7,000 brands who will donate part of what you spend on your shopping to a cause of your choice. It won't cost you any extra. The cost is covered by the brand.

Brands pay us a commission because when you start your shop from the EasyFundraising website or app, they can see we sent you to them. If you make a purchase, a commission is generated, and we turn that into a donation - magic!

You can sign up to support Mencap Liverpool and Sefton, via Easyfundraising here: https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/mencap-liverpool/

Thursday Club with the SoSo Choir

Thursday 9th May 2024

Thursday Club has been meeting for 61 years at Mencap Community Cottage and are very much a part of the fabric of the local area in Crosby.

Thursday Club members are a fantastic group of friends - some of our members went to school together, or day services and this is the only place where people get to meet up with friends.

Each quarter our Outreach Manager plans a program of sessions which has been informed by our members at the yearly review.

Members get to get involved with a wide range of things - art, zumba, accessible bikes, silent discos, Boos Zoo visits, coach trips and more.

Every session is supported by a member of our staff team either our Outreach Manager, Progressions Coordinator or Fundraising and Communities Coordinator who work as a team to support our members and team of volunteers to have a fantastic evening each week!

This week we welcomed Su Grainger and some members of her SoSo (Singing Our Socks Off) Choir and it was an absolutely incredible evening!

Su and her team sing with our members and also sing requests and invite our members to sing and dance.

As well as the Choir we had an artistic corner where people got creative and it was a lovely evening.

Big thank you to Su and her Choir and our fantastic team of volunteers who make our Thursday Club possible.

Open Afternoon at Mencap Community Cottage

Wednesday 17th April 2024

On Wednesday 17th April we held an Open Afternoon at Mencap Community Cottage - everyone was welcome to drop in and find out more about:

⭐️ becoming a member
⭐️ or a volunteer
⭐️ the sessions organised for our members
⭐️ the improvements we have made to our building
⭐️ our future plans to make the building even better
⭐️our community sessions
⭐️our superb Coffee at Mencap

The day was a real success and our members worked incredibly hard showing people around, meeting and greeting people, talking about Mencap Liverpool and Sefton, manning information tables, serving tea and coffee and selling some of the indoor plants we have grown. Thank you to our members for your hardwork.

We were really lucky to have photographer June Poston LRPS come along for the afternoon and take these brilliant photos. Halton Day Service Samba Band opened our event and our members had an impromptu Sumba session supported by our Zumba Instructor Louise Rooney - the photos taken by June truly capture the happiness and confidence people felt.

We are so thankful to the people who volunteer their time to help in such a huge range of ways - thank you, thank you, thank you.

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This is our timeline page, where we you can scroll through our social media and other posts!

Posts and Articles Timeline👋

This is our timeline page, where we you can scroll through our social media and other posts!

Posts and Articles Timeline
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