KEYNSHAM MENCAp

Keynsham & District Mencap Society (K&DMS) Trustee, Russ Pocock, is receiving Keynsham Town Council’s Good Citizen Award for his work for this well-loved local charity over the last 10 years. He joined in June 2013 as Treasurer and is now the longest-standing trustee.

Money needs to be managed well for this small charity to thrive, and Russ keeps a keen eye over the purse strings in the background, making it possible to continue to support members and invest in the charity’s future. He’s a strong gatekeeper and he ensures that decisions made about funds are collaborative with trustees and in the best interests of the members. With his help and advice, Keynsham Mencap are able to not only continue running nine clubs a week, but they also offer two holidays a year providing essential respite to members’ families, and most importantly the best week of the year for many of the members. lives. The occasion was marked by a surprise meal for Laura who said: “I have the best job in the world and can’t believe I am fortunate enough to get to do something I love every day. It has been the most amazing 15 years.”

Russ is delighted by the recognition of his commitment and noted that he’d come to the charity rather by chance and agreed to stay ‘in the interim.’ K&DMS are very grateful that this very active ‘interim’ trustee is still with them 10 years on.

K&DMS runs a fully inclusive programme of clubs and activities for people with learning disabilities and complex needs, including autism. The nine weekly clubs include: socials for adults and children, music lessons and sports, as well as group holidays, community outings and outdoor pursuits. They offer people with additional needs the same social opportunities as others in supported environment.

Keynsham and District Mencap is a self-funded charity, all money is from grants and donations from the local community and fundraising events. The recent cake sale at The Chocolate Quarter and tombola at the Spring Show together raised £700! Thank you to all our supporters who were amazingly generous and donated cakes, prizes and vouchers to these events.

One of the clubs celebrated it’s 5-year anniversary on Saturday 1st April by putting on an anniversary concert. The Music Man Project was started in April 2018 and the club has gone from strength to strength, meeting weekly to provide enjoyable and engaging musical experiences that give a ‘voice’ to the musicians, developing skills and increasing confidence. The concert was a huge success with the musicians performing their favourite songs and showcasing some new ones; it was a chance to celebrate and see all that the musicians have achieved in five years.

There are also celebrations for Operation Manager Laura Jefferies, who has been working for Keynsham Mencap for 15 years this year! Laura works tirelessly for the members and her commitment and devotion has touched so many

Keynsham and District Mencap Society are also celebrating 45 years this year and will mark this milestone achievement by hosting a celebration event.

This event is to celebrate how far the society has come, what it has achieved in the past 45 years and most importantly, an opportunity to say thank you to all its supporters. There have been so many people over the years that have either given up their time to help the members, fundraised for the society or have supported its fundraising efforts. More details of this event will be released soon!

If you would like to know more about Keynsham Mencap and its projects, or can volunteer monthly or more, please contact laura@keynshammencap.org.uk.