Croydon Mencap Ltd
Registered Charity No: 1073063
Portland House 678 London Road, Thornton Heath, Croydon CR7 7HU
Tel: 020 8684 5890 Email:
This is a brief overview of Croydon Mencap’s history, aims and structure, and includes the activities which the Society runs all year round.
The overall aim of the Society is:
-to campaign for the rights of people with learning disabilities;
-to encourage the provision of care, welfare services, education, employment opportunities and recreational facilities for people with learning disabilities, and to support those engaged in providing the services;
-to raise public awareness with a view to creating a climate of acceptance within local communities; and
-to provide activities, as and when appropriate.
History
In 1952 Croydon Mencap was set up by local parents to give each other mutual support and also to provide leisure activities for their sons and daughters. In those days there were not the facilities that there are today, therefore the only way open to parents was to set things up and run them themselves. Some of these activities were also supported with the additional help of volunteers.
What is Croydon Mencap Ltd and what do we do?
Croydon Mencap Ltd is a local society run and managed by a voluntary Board of Directors offeringsupport, advice and information to people with learning disabilities and their families.
It also runs a social club, and a youth club
In 1997 Croydon Mencap opened Treetops, a play centre for children with special needsbetween the ages of 6 and 12.
In February 2001 a charity shop was opened providing paid work opportunities for young people with learning disabilities, and any profits go towards supporting the children's centre.
In August 2005 the Leslie Park Centre was set up to provide on and off-site activities for younger aged adults. The Centre accommodates up to 18 people per day, and transport to and from home is included in the scheme.
At the end of 2005 funding was secured to set up a service for Older Carers, offering advice and support to the growing number of people in this particular group.
How is Croydon Mencap financed?
Although affiliated to the national body (Royal Mencap), Croydon Mencap is responsible for raising its own funds which it does through applying for grants, receiving donations, collecting subscriptions and club fees, and by holding fundraising events.
How many staff work for the Society?
We currently employ over 40 people, working anything from 2 hours a week to full time.
What role do our volunteers play?
Volunteers help out in all areas of our work: at ourshop, clubs, children’s centre, in the office, helping with fundraising events, and as members of the Board.
Revised Jan08