Latest News & Events
Wearing face masks on public transport
If you are using public transport anywhere in England, you have to wear a face mask or covering to help protect yourself and others from the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). However, there are some people who are exempt from this rule and will not be made to wear a face covering, or stopped from travelling on public transport. This is relevant for many of our members. Here is some information that we have taken from the government's official guidance (you can read this here): The requirement to wear a face covering also does not apply if you have a reasonable [...]
Caring in a crisis
During the pandemic, there has been increased responsibility on unpaid family carers to deliver care to their loved one. In many cases, day services and 1:1 support has stopped during lock-down, so caring at home has been required for 100% of the time. Many carers of adults with learning disabilities are at home 24/7 with their family. This has increased the pressure on families and carers, and here are just some of the difficult situations we have heard from families we support: carers are balancing work and care giving some are balancing care of numerous people including elderly parents, young [...]
What can you spot in nature?
There is so much happening outdoors at this time of year: chicks are hatching, flowers are blooming, the sun is shining, birds are singing and leaves are green. It really is a brilliant time to get outdoors and explore, and even if you can't get outside - you can see so much from your window! Our ALH group leader Beth has put together a brilliant selection of activities to complete, all about nature and the great outdoors. If you click on each of the links below, you'll find wordsearches, dot-to-dots, poems, nature check lists and much more! You can also [...]
Increased death rates of people with a learning disability due to COVID-19
We were shocked and upset by yesterday’s announcement from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) that the death rate of people with learning disabilities and/or autism has increased by 134%, from this time last year. More than half of the 386 recorded deaths (from the period 10 April – 15 May) were as a result of suspected and/or confirmed COVID-19. The data has also shown that the impact on people with learning disabilities and/or autism is being felt at a younger age range than in the wider population. People with learning disabilities already face health inequalities and have a shorter life expectancy than those without [...]
A special message from our team to our members
We want to let all our members know that we miss you, we hope everyone is staying safe and well, and we can't wait to see you all again! Here are some familiar faces, who want to say hello and pass on some positive messages...
Find out more about our children’s services
At Sheffield Mencap & Gateway we offer a wide range of services for children and young people, including fitness, performing arts, a Friday night Gateway Club, a podcast making group and much more. In this video, you can hear from our group leaders about what each project does, when it takes place and who it is for. If you would like any more information, you can visit the Children's Services section of our website, or you can email our Children's Services Manager Kelly Daubney on kellydaubney@sheffieldmencap.org.uk.