About Mencap Newark
In the late 1940’s a Newark couple Denis and Joyce Mills were told by doctors that their little son David had a learning disability.
When he reached the age of five they received a letter saying that he would not be accepted at school. In those days’ there was no alternative provision, financial support or care. Denis and Joyce visited other parents who were in a similar position and set up a group. They rented a room at Newark Technical College where the children could meet weekly supervised by parents on a rota basis. That gave the other parents a break from 24/7 care.
Following the formation of National Mencap under the patronage of the late Lord Brian Rix, pressure grew on local authorities, councils and eventually government to provide some level of care and financial help. One of the earliest posters read “Kevin should be an MP – he sits in the house all day.” In due course fund raising and local patronage enabled what by then had become Newark Mencap to buy a property in Whitfield Street. This was to be our Centre for very many years until the recent move to the Congregational Church Hall in Hatton Gardens. Here sixty plus years on from its formation Newark Mencap continues to work with energy and enthusiasm to improve the lives of children and adults with a learning disability and to support their parents and carers.
The Trustees
The charities activities are overseen by seven volunteer trustees. They set the strategy and ensure that proper controls are in place to cover the care of our clients and that financial controls are in place.
All our trustees either have direct experience of looking after people with learning disabilities, some as parents, or have extensive business knowledge. This experience, coupled with our professional service delivery team, help ensure we run the charity for the sole benefit of our clients.
Our Trustees are;
Noel Maguire
President
Neil Allen
Chairman & Co-Treasurer
Bibiana Kayd
Secretary & Co-Treasurer
Julie
Leach
Vice Chairperson
Tony
Burroughs
Trustee
Diane
Foster
Trustee
Marlene
Ablewhite
Trustee
Christine
Wiltshire
Trustee
Our Professional Team
We have a dedicated professional team who are responsible for the development and delivery of our services. They have many years’ experience of working successfully with clients with learning disabilities.
They are all passionate about the work they do and provide a safe, fun filled learning environment which encourages participation and growing confidence.
Our Team;
Diane Bearcroft
I have spent several years working in the care/charity industry, experience which I bring to my role as joint manager of the Day Services we provide. In addition, I have worked in the private sector in administration and management roles.
This experience is invaluable in managing all aspects of the charities administration helping ensure our clients receive care in a well managed and safe environment.
Sharon Wainwright
My experience of caring for and developing care services for those with Learning Difficulties has been gained over many years. Prior to joining Newark Mencap, I worked for Royal Mencap so understand the needs of our clients well.
This experience is now enabling me to develop our Day Services further through jointly managing the service, ensuring our programmes are stimulating and fun.
Becky
Hi! I’m Becky! I’ve worked in social care for 12 years. I’m a drama graduate with a fun loving attitude. I love using my drama background with the clients to encourage and inspire them, and be a bit silly.
Tracy
Hi, I’m Tracy. I’ve worked in social care for four years and have loved every minute of it. I like having fun and laughing and I like to encourage people to have the confidence to participate in activities that they perhaps would not normally do.
Diane is also the charities administrator, looking after all day to day financial issues and ensures that all care and health and safety records are maintained. She is also the first point of contact for clients, parents and carers who have any queries.
Visit the Mencap UK Website
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