Mencap People: Lynne’s Story
Each issue we profile somebody from Sheffield Mencap and Gateway, to find out more about what makes it such a varied and special place. This spring we get to know Lynne, a member of our My Mencap member voice group. How long have you been [...]
My Mencap autumn update
The voices of our members and carers are central to everything we do at Sheffield Mencap and Gateway, and My Mencap is at the heart of this. My Mencap is a group of members from our Activity Learning Hub day service. The group meets every month to help us [...]
Summer sessions 2026
Our regular Activity Learning Hub timetable was paused over the summer to make way for the summer sessions. After all their hard work learning and developing skills all year, summer is the perfect time for our members to take a break from routine. This year's summer sessions were created [...]
Sharing our learning to improve health
Our health team has been busy sharing what we’ve learned from working with people with a learning disability, supporting health professionals and organisations across Sheffield to improve inclusive care. In September, we took part in the Sheffield Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust’s Annual Members Meeting, with a stall showcasing [...]
Learning Disability Week 2026: Why Visibility and Inclusion Still Matter
A guest post by Rosie Buckley Learning disability week always falls in the 3rd week of June, and for 2026, it runs from Monday the 15th to Sunday the 21st. The theme for this year is "Do you see me?" which focuses on ensuring those with a learning disability [...]
Mencap People: Adam’s Story
Each issue we profile somebody from Sheffield Mencap and Gateway, to find out more about what makes it such a varied and special place. This spring we get to know Adam, a member of our board of trustees. How long have you been a Trustee [...]
Celebrating 75 years
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 [...]
Our anniversary mural
As part of the celebrations for the 75th year of Sheffield Mencap and Gateway, local artist RUOK has painted a very special mural in our sports hall - created collaboratively with our members. The project began in February, with all of our members given the opportunity to produce a [...]
75 years of Sheffield Mencap and Gateway
1951 - 2026: our story In 1951, a group of parents gathered in Queens Street Congregational Church, Sheffield. Their children had learning disabilities, and at that time there was little support, no right to education, and few opportunities to take part in community life. Like many families [...]
Rock Your Socks returns for 2026!
March means one thing at Sheffield Mencap and Gateway... socks! We love getting behind the global campaign to celebrate World Down Syndrome, and this year was no exception. Staff, volunteers, members, local businesses and organisations all got involved, rocking their brightest, boldest and oddest socks on March 21st. [...]
Mencap People: Peri’s Story
Each issue we profile somebody from Sheffield Mencap and Gateway, to find out more about what makes it such a varied and special place. This spring we get to know Peri, a member of our housekeeping team as well as a volunteer. How long have [...]
Why exercise is for everybody
Make 2026 the year you feel stronger, fitter and happier. There are many benefits to exercising regularly but getting started can be challenging. At Sheffield Mencap and Gateway, we have the support you need to get into exercise - and even enjoy it! You don’t need to be a [...]
A December to remember!
The winter holiday period is always a special time at Sheffield Mencap and Gateway. It’s a chance to bring our community together and enjoy shared experiences. While not all our members celebrate Christmas, everybody enjoys celebrating [...]
Thank you for making our Christmas Fair fantastic!
Our Christmas Fair on Saturday 29 November was a real community effort. We’d like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make it such a success. Thanks to the incredible support of volunteers, donors and everyone who came along on the day, the fair raised over [...]
Mencap People: Leonie’s Story
Each issue we profile somebody from Sheffield Mencap and Gateway, to find out more about what makes it such a varied and special place. This autumn we get to know Leonie, our new Assistant Office Manager. How long have you been at Sheffield Mencap and [...]
AGM 2025
We’ll be holding our Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday 12th November at 6pm at Sheffield Mencap and Gateway. This is an opportunity to review the past year, discuss future plans, and carry out essential governance business. 2024 AGM Minutes 2025 AGM Agenda (easy read)
Looking after your mental health when you have a Learning disability or autism
Everyone can struggle with mental health issues - including people with learning disabilities and autistic people. To mark World Mental Health Day (10th October 2025) we want to raise awareness of mental health for people with a learning disability and autistic people. Wellbeing is one of our core values at [...]
Mencap People: Beth’s Story
Each issue we profile somebody from Sheffield Mencap and Gateway, to find out more about what makes it such a varied and special place. This autumn we get to know Beth, a Group Leader at Activity Learning Hub. How long have you been at Sheffield [...]
Help shape the future of Sheffield Mencap and Gateway
Can you take 2 minutes to help shape the next 3 years? At Sheffield Mencap and Gateway, we want to make sure that everything we do reflects the needs and wishes of the people we support and their families. That’s why we are currently developing our next Business Plan (2026–2029) [...]
Learning disability health: what the latest LeDeR report means for you
The latest LeDer (Learning from Lives and Deaths) report, published last week, highlights the ongoing health inequalities faced by people with a learning disability and autistic people across England. While there are signs of progress, the findings show that too many lives are still being cut short - often for [...]
Mencap People: Donna’s Story
Each issue we profile somebody from Sheffield Mencap and Gateway, to find out more about what makes it such a varied and special place. This summer we get to know Donna, our new Service Manager for Children's, Carers and Health. How long [...]
Notice of EGM (Extraordinary General Meeting)
Sheffield Mencap and Gateway is holding an Extraordinary General Meeting on June 4th at 6pm. This is an open meeting and all are welcome to attend. Please find full details of the EGM and instructions on how to attend here.
Award recognition for our health services
We are celebrating an incredible double achievement, having been nominated for and won awards in recognition of our outstanding work in health and well-being for people with learning disabilities and autism. At the Sheffield Care Excellence Awards, held on February 13th, 2025, Sharmistha Bal, our Physical Health Coordinator, won [...]
My Mencap makes a difference
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 [...]
Rock Your Socks 2025
On March 21st, 2025, Sheffield Mencap and Gateway joined the global celebration of World Down’s Syndrome Day with our vibrant and inclusive Rock Your Socks Day. This annual event encourages people to wear their boldest, brightest socks to raise awareness and celebrate of people with Down’s syndrome and learning [...]
