Mid Norfolk Mencap

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. 🏖️

18/08/2026

🚌 FREEDOM TO TRAVEL: Disabled Bus Pass time restrictions to be scrapped!

The Government has announced that time restrictions on the Disabled Person's Bus Pass will be lifted, giving pass holders the freedom to travel for free at any time of day.

For years, disabled people have only been able to use their pass between 9.30am and 11pm on weekdays. That might sound like a small detail, but for many people with a learning disability, it's meant missing an appointment or activity, simply because the bus pass wasn't valid yet.

This change is the result of years of campaigning by disabled people and disability organisations, who rightly argued that independence shouldn't come with a curfew. It's a genuine step forward for equality and dignity in everyday life - and a reminder of what can change when disabled people's voices are heard.

At Mid Norfolk Mencap, we know how much buses matter to the people we support - for getting to activities, volunteering posts, and seeing the people who matter to them. This change means more choice, more independence, and one less barrier in daily life.

The change applies across England from 1st April 2027 🎉

It is believed about one million people could benefit from the change.

Read more: https://bbc.in/4fZGQYo

14/07/2026

As a network partner of Mencap, this is a campaign we feel strongly about. These figures from the LeDeR report are a stark reminder of the healthcare inequality people with a learning disability still face – inequality we see reflected in the barriers some of the people we support come up against.

These aren't abstract statistics to us. They're about real people, many of whom we know personally, who deserve the same chance at a long, healthy life as anyone else.

We're proud to stand behind Mencap on this, and we'd encourage everyone in our community to take a couple of minutes to read the letter and add their signature. Every voice makes this harder for the Government to ignore.

25/06/2026

Despite the heat, the Mid Norfolk Mencap team is here at the Royal Norfolk Show and loving every minute. It was a brilliant first day yesterday, and we're back again today (25th June) ready to welcome even more visitors to our stand! ☀️

If the heat is getting to you, our tent is a cool retreat – we've got fans running and a calm, sensory space. 🍃

Come and find us, say hello, and find out more about the support we provide. Our team, including some of the wonderful people we support, would love to meet you.

23/06/2026

We’re ready for the Royal Norfolk Show! 🌞

Our stand is all set up and the team can't wait to welcome you on 24th-25th June at the Royal Norfolk Show.

Come along and say hello to the Mid Norfolk Mencap team, find out more about the support we provide, and meet some of the amazing people we support who will be volunteering on our stand throughout both days.

We’ve created a calm, welcoming space inside our tent for anyone who needs a moment to chill out, complete with sensory equipment and a relaxing atmosphere. And, with the current heatwave, we've made sure our tent stays as comfortable as possible with fans to help keep everyone cool. ☀️🌬️

Whether you're looking for information, support, or just want a friendly chat, we'd love to see you.

📍 Royal Norfolk Show
📅 24th & 25th June
👋 Come and say hello!

19/06/2026

What a great meeting!

We were delighted to host the South Norfolk Locality Meeting for the Norfolk Learning Disability Partnership here at Mid Norfolk Mencap today. What a fitting time for it to fall, in Learning Disability Week, with this year's theme of 'Do you see me?'

The meeting brought together people with a learning disability, family carers, and representatives from Norfolk County Council to discuss employment and activities - most importantly, to make sure the people who matter most have a real say in their care.

People with a learning disability had the opportunity to share their thoughts on what makes a good support worker, the activities they enjoy most, and the skills they're developing as part of their care. Having a safe space to voice those thoughts, with representatives who can feed that back and influence wider change, is so important.

We were also really touched to receive lovely feedback about our service and support workers from the people we support. It means so much to us.

'Do you see me?' - yes, we do. We see you, we hear you, and your voice matters.