On Friday 19 June, we came together to celebrate a remarkable milestone: 75 years of Sheffield Mencap and Gateway.
Held outdoors at Norfolk Lodge in the sunshine, the event brought together members, carers, staff, volunteers, trustees, supporters and community partners for a wonderful evening of celebration. As well as marking our 75th anniversary, the event also recognised Learning Disability Week, Volunteers’ Week and Carers Week, all of which take place during June.
Founded in 1951, Sheffield Mencap and Gateway has spent the past 75 years supporting the local learning disability community. Our anniversary celebration provided an opportunity to reflect on that journey, celebrate how far we have come and look ahead to the future.
We were delighted to welcome a number of special guests, including Kate Josephs, Chief Executive of Sheffield City Council, Deputy Lord Mayor Peter Gilbert, Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime for South Yorkshire Kilvinder Vigurs, and the Lord and Lady Cutler.
Guests enjoyed a number of speeches at the event, giving an opportunity to learn more about the work and history of Shefield Mencap and Gateway. Senior Manager Jonathan Raimondi spoke about how opportunities for people with learning disabilities have changed over the years and highlighted the importance of our member voice group, My Mencap, in helping to shape and develop the charity.
Members of My Mencap – Fallon, Jack, Lynne and Carol – then took to the stage to share what Sheffield Mencap and Gateway means to them. Their heartfelt speech was warmly received and was undoubtedly one of the highlights of the evening, earning a huge response from the audience.
Our CEO, Dave Swindlehurst, reflected on the history and origins of the charity, telling the story of how a determined group of parents came together in 1951 to create better opportunities for their children and laying out the journey that has brought us to where we are today. Chair of Trustees Katy Pugh then spoke about the future of Sheffield Mencap and Gateway, sharing her optimism and ambition for the years ahead.
The evening was also filled with fantastic live entertainment. Guests enjoyed performances from The All Sorts Band and the NHS Voices Choir, with many people singing along to the choir’s uplifting set. The live music created a real festival atmosphere in the sunshine, bringing people together to celebrate. Guests enjoyed pizza, cakes and our special ‘Mencap 75’ anniversary ale, brewed by Bradfield Brewery for the occasion. Later in the evening, DJs from Under the Stars kept the energy high and soon had people up on their feet and dancing.
Most importantly, the event was a celebration of the people who make Sheffield Mencap and Gateway such a special community. We would like to thank everyone who attended and helped make the evening such a memorable occasion.
Here’s to the next 75 years!
