|
Many families who have a child with a disability need an occasional break from caring for their child. An experienced sitter from the Children’s Sitting Service can offer you this opportunity by coming to look after your child for a few hours, to give you the chance to have a break, spend time with your other children, or even go out and do some shopping. Contact us for further information. |
|
West Berkshire Mencap |
|
Making the most of Life |
|
The Sensory Garden at the Centre |
|
West Berkshire Mencap Playscheme started in 1984 and is the biggest playscheme for children with learning disabilities in the area. The playscheme runs over the Easter and Summer Holidays taking children aged 3 to 19 years with a wide range of abilities and needs. Each child is given a one to one volunteer carer for the day. The volunteers are mainly recruited from local schools and colleges and are given training in subjects such as basic first aid, communication, health and safety and play. There are also 6 highly skilled and experienced staff on site. Playscheme also allows the children the opportunity to access occasional trips out as well as the facilities on offer at the centre.
Volunteer application forms are available form the Mencap Centre (OR DOWNLOAD) Volunteers are always welcome and appreciated! |
|
Each Year the children’s team fundraise to allow 6 children the opportunity to access an adventure holiday. The holiday takes place at the Calvert Trust in Devon and the children are given the opportunity to participate in activities such as sailing, climbing, horse riding and archery. The children who access the holiday are aged 12 to19 years and they are all accompanied by a one to one carer for the duration of the trip. The holiday allows the young people to develop new skills and a sense of independence and achievement. |
|
Funky Thursdays is a youth club that runs every Thursday during term time from 6pm -8pm, the club is aimed at the teenagers aged 12-19. Funky Thursdays was originally set up in 2006 as a request from the young clients, they have made the club their own and often request activities. They teenagers are involved in creating the programme of events for the term this may include a disco, quiz night, cooking, a trip out to Pizza Hut or just chilling with the snooker table and games console. There is also a small tuck shop which the teenagers run, this encourages them to make choices and learn about basic money management. The club has been a huge success since it began. |
|
Bubble Club |
|
Active Zone |
|
Holidays |
|
Funky Thursdays |
|
CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES – PLAYSCHEME |
|
Bubble club has been running since November 1994 and is a weekly parent/carer and toddler group for children primarily with learning difficulties and their siblings. The staff, volunteers and parents work together to create a welcoming atmosphere and many parents form supportive and lasting friendships with each other. Bubble club meets every Wednesday during term time between 10am and 12pm, at half term siblings of school age are welcome to attend. The children are able to use all of the facilities at the centre including the sensory room and playground as well as having a weekly activity on offer such as craft or cooking. |
|
Active Zone started in November 2001 and provides daily care for school aged children with a learning disability. Active Zone operates daily (except Thursdays) from 3.30pm – 6pm. The after school club caters for 5-19year olds and provides fun activities on site as well as the children having use of the sensory room, playground and soft play room. The children that attend the after school club have a one to one volunteer carer from local schools who assist the children in daily activities and encourage play and social interaction.
Please contact the children’s team if you would like any information on your child attending or to volunteer |
|
Home |
|
Who are we |
|
News |
|
What we do |
|
How you can help |
|
Thank You |
|
What’s On |
|
Contact Us |
|
Links |
|
Privacy Policy |
|
Vacancies
|
Information |
|
West Berkshire Mencap has been running children’s services for over 20 years. Our aim is to operate a safe and happy environment for children aged 0-19 years with a learning disability (with or without a physical disability) to play, have fun and socially interact. West Berkshire Mencap currently employs two full time children’s officers and several part time staff to run the services. The range of services covers Easter and Summer playschemes, and an after school club. The children’s officer role within the organisation is to develop and provide services for children with a learning disability and their families. Please speak to a children’s officer about any ideas or services that would benefit your family. |
|
Children’s Services |
|
Child Sitting Service |