Mid Norfolk Mencap

04/06/2026

We're at the Volunteer Extravaganza today! 🌟

Today, Jo, our Volunteer Club Coordinator, and Hydie, one of our fantastic Gateway Club volunteers, have spent the day at Voluntary Norfolk's Volunteer Extravaganza at The Forum in Norwich. They're helping to raise awareness of our charity, Gateway Club, and the many rewards of volunteering.

It was wonderful to meet so many people interested in giving their time to support good causes and to share just how rewarding volunteering can be. From supporting our Gateway Club sessions to making up our Board of Trustees, volunteers truly are at the heart of everything we do.

If you didn't get a chance to speak to Jo and Hydie today but would like to find out more about volunteering with Gateway Club, or any other volunteering roles with us, we'd love to hear from you. Volunteering is a fantastic opportunity to meet new people, develop skills, gain experience, and make a real difference, all while having fun!

Get in touch with us to learn more about our volunteering opportunities and how you can become part of the Gateway Club team.

14/05/2026

We’re pleased to be hosting the next South Norfolk Locality Group Meeting for the Norfolk Learning Disability Partnership here at Mid Norfolk Mencap on Friday 19th June, from 1:30pm – 3:00pm.

📍 Mid Norfolk Mencap, 1A Tavern Lane, Dereham

This meeting is a chance for people with learning disabilities, families, carers, and professionals to come together to discuss important local issues and share ideas.

The focus of this meeting will be:
💼 Employment
📚 Learning
🎯 Activities

Staff from Norfolk County Council will also be joining the discussion.

Free refreshments will be available - including cake! 🍰

Please come along if you’d like to be part of the conversation and help shape opportunities in our local community.

28/04/2026

Elections are coming up, and it’s important that people with a learning disability have the chance to be heard. Everyone deserves the opportunity to take part in decisions that affect their lives.

There are options and support available to make voting easier - take a look at this clear guide from Mencap to find out what you need to do and when. 📝

15/04/2026

Come and visit us at the Royal Norfolk Show! ☀️

We’re excited to share that Mid Norfolk Mencap will be at the Royal Norfolk Show on the 24th and 25th June, and we’d love for you to come and say hello!

Pop by our stand to find out more about the work we do supporting individuals with a learning disability and their families. There’ll be a chance to meet the team, have a chat, and learn how you can get involved or support what we do.

23/03/2026

We want to make sure people with a learning disability have their voices heard 💬

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is asking for your views about the future of Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

This is part of an important review, and disabled people are at the heart of it. Your experiences can help shape what happens next.

🗓 You can share your views until 28th May 2026

🔗 Find out more and take part here: https://ow.ly/cwSE50YvB9o

The Timms Review steering group wants to hear from you on the future of Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

The group is co-producing the first ever full review of PIP, with disabled people at its heart.

Today, the group is launching the first step in their inclusive and accessible engagement - a Call for Evidence on a range of issues related to PIP. They will be sharing information on more ways to get involved soon.

Submit your views by 28 May 2026: https://ow.ly/cwSE50YvB9o

20/03/2026

Dereham & District Gateway Club Update 📣

We’re really looking forward to seeing everyone again at Gateway Club next week for our Indoor Games Night 🎲🏓

Please note that this session has been rescheduled following feedback from members about a clash with another event.

👉 The new date is: Wednesday 25th March 2026, 7:00pm - 9:00pm
📍 Mid Norfolk Mencap, 1a Tavern Lane, Dereham, NR19 1PX
📩 Contact us for more details

We’ve made this change to help more members attend - we want to make sure everyone has the chance to be part of Gateway Club!

We can’t wait to see everyone there for a fun evening 💙

09/03/2026

Dereham & District Gateway Club is BACK! 🎉

We’re so excited to announce the relaunch of our Gateway Club, and we’re kicking things off with a Relaunch Disco Party on 17th March 2026! 🎶🕺

After taking some time to review and strengthen how the club runs, Gateway Club is returning better than ever - now based at Mid Norfolk Mencap’s Tavern Lane Hub, making full use of our fantastic facilities.

We’re also delighted to share that Jo has stepped into the role of Volunteer Club Coordinator, working closely with our brilliant volunteers to ensure the club is fun, well-organised and the best it can be for our members. 👏

Gateway Club is a welcoming community group for adults with a learning disability in Dereham, offering friendship, activities, music, games and plenty of laughter each week. We know how much everyone has missed it, and we can’t wait to see all those familiar faces back on the dance floor!

🗓 Relaunch Disco: 17th March 2026, 7:00pm - 9:00pm
📍 Mid Norfolk Mencap, 1a Tavern Lane, Dereham, NR19 1PX
📩 Contact us for more details or to find out how to join.

Let’s make our return one to remember! 💙

06/03/2026

International Women’s Day is on Sunday 8th March 2026. We'd like to take the opportunity to celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of women everywhere - and shine a light on women with learning disabilities.

Women with learning disabilities continue to face barriers in education, employment, healthcare, and relationships. Too often, their voices are overlooked, their choices are limited, and their potential underestimated. Yet their strength, talent, and contributions enrich our communities every day.

Inclusion means more than awareness. It means:
1️⃣ Listening to lived experiences
2️⃣ Challenging stereotypes and stigma
3️⃣ Creating accessible opportunities
4️⃣ Supporting independence and choice
5️⃣ Standing up against discrimination

Every woman deserves respect, safety, opportunity, and the chance to thrive.

At Mid Norfolk Mencap, we’re working hard to break down barriers - creating accessible opportunities, amplifying lived experiences, promoting independence, and challenging stigma wherever we see it. But there is still more to do.

This International Women’s Day, we renew our commitment to building a more inclusive world where every woman is valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.

When we include all women, we create a stronger, more equal future for everyone.

04/03/2026

📣 One week to go!

We’re looking forward to hosting the South Norfolk Locality Meeting for the Norfolk Learning Disability Partnership here at Mid Norfolk Mencap, and there’s now just one week to go!

This is a great opportunity to connect with other organisations in the sector, share ideas, learn from one another, and showcase the amazing work happening across our community. We’re proud to be the venue and can’t wait to welcome everyone.

🗓 Wednesday 11th March 2026
⏰ 1:30pm to 3:30pm
📍 1a Tavern Lane, Dereham, NR19 1PX

If you’re planning to come along, we can’t wait to see you there.

09/02/2026

📢 We’re hiring Support Workers!

Are you passionate about making a positive difference in people’s lives? We’re looking for caring, dedicated Support Workers to join our team at Mid Norfolk Mencap.

You’ll be supporting people with Learning Disabilities and autism to build independence, develop skills, and enjoy meaningful day-to-day experiences.

🕒 Contracts available from 8–40 hours per week
📍 Supporting people across Dereham, Norwich, Swaffham, Thetford & surrounding areas

Interested? Send your CV to [email protected]
or visit our website to apply.