Manx Mencap: Building Confidence, Connection and Community

Funding from Manx Lottery Trust has helped Manx Mencap turn a gap in local provision into a thriving programme of activities that is building confidence, friendships and a greater sense of belonging for adults with learning disabilities.

Manx Mencap developed its Adult Activities Programme after changes to day service provision following Covid left some adults with fewer opportunities to get out, socialise and take part in activities.

With support from a Manx Lottery Trust Community Award, the charity has been able to provide a varied programme throughout the year, including activity days, arts and crafts, movie nights, coffee mornings, theatre visits and outdoor adventures. For those taking part, however, the impact has gone far beyond having something to do.

When the programme first began, engagement was slow and some participants were understandably reluctant to try unfamiliar experiences. Over time, Manx Mencap has seen a significant change.

People who were previously withdrawn have grown in confidence and become more socially engaged. Friendships have developed beyond people's home environments, participants stay in contact with one another and regular activities have become something they genuinely look forward to.

The programme has also created opportunities for people to challenge themselves.

Outdoor activities at places including Ape Mann, the Venture Centre, Mooragh Lake, the Outdoor Learning Centre and Knockaloe Beg Farm initially took some participants well outside their comfort zones. With support, many completed the activities and returned with much greater confidence when taking part again.

These experiences are helping participants become more active, happier and increasingly connected with the world around them.

That impact is also beginning to reach further into the community. Other organisations supporting adults with learning disabilities now regularly bring their clients along to Manx Mencap activities, while students from University College Isle of Man who may later move into Adult Services have also begun participating.

At the same time, Manx Mencap has noticed a change in how the wider community engages with its members. Theatre companies have proactively approached the charity to invite members to dress rehearsals, opportunities Manx Mencap previously had to seek out itself.

These performances can offer a more accessible environment for wheelchair users and people with severe autism who may find a full mainstream performance difficult. Almost 90 people also attended a mainstream circus performance and were warmly welcomed by staff and other audience members.

For Manx Mencap, these experiences represent an important shift towards a community that is more proactive about creating opportunities for everyone to participate.

Aproximately 480 people have directly benefited from the programme, while the charity has also begun to see a small number of members gain the confidence to move into volunteering or employment.