Following the success of our Community Connector programme in 2024, Sheffield Mencap and Gateway has now established a new way for our members to get their voices heard. The ‘My Mencap’ group gives people with a learning disability the opportunity to improve and develop services, and influence decisions made at Sheffield Mencap and Gateway.
My Mencap is a voluntary group of our adult members who want to make a difference. They want to ensure people with a learning disability are heard both internally, and externally across Sheffield.
The group meets regularly to discuss their experiences of services and support, and propose ideas for improvement. Since the group’s inception in late 2024 they have already made a difference at Sheffield Mencap and Gateway by forming panels for interview candidates, developing new social groups for members and consulting on projects. My Mencap will also have a regular presence at Sheffield Mencap and Gateway Trustee meeting, to ensure they are actively considered in governance decisions.
There is much more planned for My Mencap in 2025 including hosting a meeting of the national Mencap ‘Voices Council’ and representing Sheffield Mencap and Gateway at external events such as the Sheffield Hallam University ‘Joy Workshop’ and ‘Big Voice’ event at Sheffield Town Hall. The group are also looking forward to planning a ‘Summer Fun Day’ to celebrate Learning Disability Week and Carers Week in June.
