Mid Norfolk Mencap

29/09/2026

A brilliant day for Jade! 🐴🐔

Jade spent the day up close with animals, getting involved in all sorts of hands-on activities - from rounding up chickens and feeding them, to fussing the baby goats and baby pigs.

Jade spent time with the miniature horses, giving them a good brush and groom before leading them out to graze in the garden. To top off the day, Jade collected some fresh eggs, and even took some home.

Beyond the fun, days like this bring real benefits too – they offer real hands-on experience and a chance to build confidence around animals. It's brilliant to see Jade enjoying time in nature and trying new things.

18/09/2026

Learning disabilities and NHS care – an important conversation.

A powerful new interview with Baroness Louise Casey, who is leading the government's independent review of adult social care, has highlighted something we see the impact of every day: people with learning disabilities are still dying, on average, 20 years younger than the rest of the population.

Speaking to ITV News, Baroness Casey said hospitals are too often "unable to sufficiently treat and look after" people with learning disabilities, and that some health professionals simply don't see or hear them. She also spoke about families being passed "pillar to post" through a system that can feel impossible to navigate, and called for people with learning disabilities to be listened to directly, rather than talked about.

At Mid Norfolk Mencap, this is exactly why our work matters. Every day we support adults with learning disabilities to be seen, heard, and treated as individuals, not as "a burden".

Baroness Casey's final recommendations for a National Care Service are now expected by summer 2027. We'll be watching closely as they are published.

Read the full ITV News interview for more information.

NHS 'unable to treat and look after' people with learning disabilities, says care commission chair

The NHS is failing people with learning disabilities and hospitals are “unable to sufficiently treat and look after” them, says Baroness Louise Casey, the head of the government’s commission into adult social care, as ITV News Investigations Editor Daniel Hewitt reports
https://www.itv.com/news/2026-09-17/casey-nhs-unable-to-treat-and-look-after-people-with-learning-disabilities

15/09/2026

A trip down memory lane for Mark! 🏡

Mark is originally from Chelmsford, and often talks fondly about missing Essex and his hometown, so recently, he decided he'd love to pay it a visit. Our team supported him to arrange the trip and make it happen.

Mark led the way, choosing where he wanted to go and what he wanted to do. Mark took in the sights around the city centre before visiting Essex Cricket Ground for some photos, and finishing with a visit to Chelmsford Cathedral.

It was a lovely day, giving Mark the chance to revisit familiar places and reconnect with his roots – all thanks to his own choice, and our support, to help him get there. A brilliant reminder that home is always worth a visit!

10/09/2026

All aboard for a brilliant day out on the Norfolk Broads! ⛵

Jamie, Gavin and John recently decided they wanted to hire a boat and explore the Broads together – and what a day it was!

They enjoyed the sunshine, each other's company, and even took turns having a go at driving the boat themselves.

It's a fantastic example of the fun and adventure that come from trying something new with the support of our Community Outreach team and the company of good friends. This was a day out to remember for Jamie, Gavin and John.

Here's to more adventures like this one!

08/09/2026

What the public really thinks about disability benefits 📊

A new survey by the National Centre for Social Research has found strong public support for disability benefits, even as they remain a topic of political debate. Just 7% of people surveyed supported reducing benefits for disabled people who cannot work, while almost half backed spending more, even if it meant higher taxes.

The survey also found strong backing for extra support with everyday tasks that can be harder to manage with a disability, with the large majority in favour of additional payments to help with things like cooking, budgeting, and washing.

For us, this matters. Personal Independence Payment and other disability benefits help many of the people we support to live independently, take part in their communities, and have choice and control over their own lives - the things at the heart of what we believe everyone deserves.

It's reassuring to see that the public recognises just how important this support is, even amid wider debate about government spending.

Read the full BBC News article for more on the survey findings.

07/09/2026

A great day of bowling, friendship and fun for John and Lawrence! 🎳

We love seeing the bonds that form between the people we support, and John and Lawrence are a brilliant example. The pair have built a genuine friendship through Mid Norfolk Mencap, bonding over shared interests and enjoying spending time together.

Recently, they decided a game of bowling was just what they wanted to do, and took the lead on organising it themselves, from booking the lane to choosing their bowling balls. It's a brilliant example of the independence and confidence they've built over time.

The friendly competition didn't disappoint, with a close game and plenty of laughs along the way! It's wonderful to see friendship and independence supported and encouraged as part of their Community Outreach support.

Supporting people to make their own decisions, enjoy meaningful activities, and strengthen community connections is at the heart of what we do.

04/09/2026

Huge congratulations to Michael, who recently achieved a long-held ambition – DJing at a community event! 🎧🎉

Michael's DJing journey has been a brilliant one to watch. He started out spinning tracks at our internal get-togethers, before building up the confidence to become a firm favourite at our Gateway Club discos. This time, he took things a step further, taking to the decks at an event hosted by another provider, with some familiar faces from Gateway Club and the people we support in the crowd to cheer him on!

None of this happened overnight. It's the result of Michael's hard work and dedication, alongside sustained support from our team to help him build his skills and confidence over time. Our staff also gave up their own time outside normal hours to support a group to attend and enjoy the event together.

We're so proud of Michael for reaching this milestone, and excited to see where his talent takes him next!

02/09/2026

Gavin's found his platform (quite literally) and he's loving every minute of it! 🚂

Gavin has a real passion for trains, so when a volunteering opportunity came up at the North Norfolk Railway, our team knew it was too good to miss. They acted quickly to help Gavin secure the placement, even giving up their own time over a bank holiday weekend so he could complete his induction sessions.

Since then, Gavin has gone from strength to strength. He volunteers regularly, has built brilliant relationships with the other volunteers, and has received some really positive feedback along the way.

This is such a wonderful example of what can happen when someone's interests and aspirations are truly listened to. Well done, Gavin, we're all cheering you on!

26/08/2026

What a brilliant, busy day for Jamie! 🧵🔧

Jamie tried his hand at sewing, choosing his own fabric and cutting out triangles to make bunting. With a bit of guidance he learned how to use the sewing machine, carefully stitching the triangles together, turning them out and ironing them ready to attach to ribbon.

Jamie then headed to our allotment to try some more new skills, using cutters to remove wire mesh and a drill to take out screws – both tasks he tackled with real confidence. He also helped uproot some rhubarb ready for replanting.

It's fantastic to see how far Jamie has come, and days like this show what's possible when people with a learning disability are given choice and the chance to try something new. This helps build confidence, promote independence, and develop valuable life skills. Jamie showed great focus and determination throughout the day, and we are very proud of everything he achieved!

21/08/2026

We recently enjoyed a fantastic day at Old Hunstanton Beach, where the people we support and members of our staff team came together for a day of fun, relaxation, and social connection.

With a beach hut hired for the day, everyone had a welcoming space to gather, enjoy lunch, and spend quality time together. Activities included collecting shells, paddling in the sea, exploring the beach, and sharing sandwiches while enjoying each other's company.

Days like these have such a positive impact. For the people we support, they provide opportunities to try new experiences, increase confidence, strengthen relationships, and be part of their local community. For staff, it's a chance to connect with people in a relaxed setting, build meaningful relationships, and share special moments outside of daily routines.

Thank you to all who attended and helped make the day such a success. 🏖️