HISTORY

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The beginning

Slough Mencap was founded in 1952 by a group of parents who felt that their children deserved to be treated as people in their own right, despite their learning disabilities. At that time children with learning disabilities were excluded from the education system, and parents often felt pressure to keep their charges hidden away from ‘normal’ society. Organizations such as Slough Mencap, and the determination of people with learning disabilities and their families, have done much to change public attitudes since then.

The Cherries

In the late 60’s Slough Mencap recognized the need for a local residential home. The organization, led by the then Chairman The Hon Mr. iris Cawley, raised funds from benefactors to build a home. The Cherries – on Cheviot Road, Langley opened its doors in 1971. It was a visionary project for the time, as there were no live-in staff and it ran counter to the general consensus that people with learning disabilities could not live alone.

The Cherries closed in 2004 to make way for a series of supported flats for people with living disabilities – the natural conclusion of the move towards independence for people with learning disabilities, which The Cherries began.

Growing services

As Slough Mencap became more established, the needs and wishes of its members came to the fore. A sports and leisure club was established, and the Slough Mencap Employment Support Scheme (SMESS) was set up to help adults with learning disabilities to find paid work. The scheme was such a success that the local authority asked if SMESS could be extended to help people with Mental Health Problems.

Having secured jobs, members started to ask for support with other areas of their lives, so Mencap launched ‘People in Partnership’ an advocacy service for people with learning disabilities.

As members gained a voice it was clear that there were things about Slough Mencap’s clubs and services which they wanted to change. A Users Committee was set up to allow them to make decisions about the organization, and take some responsibility for its work. Out of this came a user group called United Voices which has become a fledgling independent organization which facilitates self and peer advocacy.

In 1992 Slough Mencap moved from its then headquarters – the Friendly Club in Elliman Avenue, Slough – to Hawker Hall.

Our Jubilee year

2002 was Slough Mencap’s 50th Anniversary Year, and supporters and members made the most of the opportunity to celebrate everything the organization has achieved, and raise funds and public awareness to ensure its continued success.

A launch event for the organization’s friends and supporters in January, a summer party for members on a jubilee theme and a dinner dance finale with fashion show n November kept the momentum going throughout the year.

Of course, Mencap members weren’t the only people celebrating 50 years of hard work in 2002. The organization was well represented at the Queen’s visit to Slough on the 3rd June, 25 years to the day after visiting the town for her Silver Jubilee. The Slough Mencap Chairman, Sandra Driver, and member Katie Hazel were introduced to the Duke of Edinburgh, and told him about some of the valuable work the valuable work the organisation has done in the last 50 years.