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BULLETINMay/June 2017
The focus for this year’s Learning Disability Week (19-25 June) is employment. Mencap will be raising awareness of the benefits of employing people with a learning disability to help tackle the low levels of employment across the country. During the week Mencap will be sharing new research that highlights the benefits of employing people with a learning disability. They will be sharing stories from employers about their experiences of employing people with a learning disability as well as giving feedback from employees with a learning disability about their experiences in paid work. To find out more and how you can get involved click here:
https://www.mencap.org.uk/get-involved/learning-disability-week-2017
Learning Disability Week 2017
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What’s in this issue?
FAMILY SERVICES EVENTS 3
CHIEF EXECUTIVE REPORT 4-5 JOBMATCH 10-11 INTRODUCING... 12
BREADS & PASTRIES 14 COURSE
COMMUNITY 17-19 FUNDRAISING
Hello!
Welcome to our May and June edition of Bulletin.
We also have all the usual event listings and fundraising news and a great round up of recent Jobmatch initiatives and successes (page 9).
There is some great feedback from our Bread and Pastries course (page 14) - I like the sound of those doughnuts! But maybe you would need to do a bit of Keep Fit (page 16) after trying them!
All the best everyone, back in July.
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Family Services Events and ActivitiesMonday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Sat/Sun
May 15 16 17 18 19 20/21
22 23 24 25 26 27/28
29 30 31 June 1 2 3/4
5 6 7 8 9 10/11
12 13 14 15 16 17/18
19 20 21 22 23 24/25
26 27 28 29 30 Jul 1/2
For more details on any of the above events please call the office on 020 8466 0790
Carers Lunch Club and Information Session (age 55+)
Keep Fit (age 18+)
Horticulture and Floristry with Tina (age 18+)
Outdoor Activity Club (20th) - Coach Trip to Sheffield Park and Garden, East Sussex (age 18+)
Monday Afternooners’ -Wetlands, Barnes
Day Opportunities XTRA (age 18+)
Keep Fit (age 18+)
Keep Fit (age 18+)
Horticulture and Floristry with Tina (age 18+)
Keep Fit (age 18+)
Keep Fit (age 18+)
Horticulture and Floristry with Tina (age 18+)
Keep Fit (age 18+)
Spring Dance (age 18+)
Family Coach Trip to Hobbledown
Horticulture and Floristry with Tina (age 18+)
Horticulture and Floristry with Tina (age 18+)
Outdoor Activity Club - Evening Summer Solstice walk (age 18+)
Horticulture and Floristry with Tina (age 18+)
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CHIEF EXECUTIVE REPORT
EDDIE LYNCH
THE COMMUNITY HUB UPDATE
We continue to make good progress with our building and renovation work for our new community hub at the Lodge, Norman Park. We now have a new accessible front door!
We are finalising plans for landscaping the garden, preparing the bases for the polytunnel and raised plant beds and designing the patio. Internally the walls have been painted and final security measures are being put in place. Once completed the hub will provide training and employment opportunities for disabled people in horticulture, catering and bike recycling.
To find out more and how to book a place click here https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6ba08b6a2a69946c2d9c19ad3/files/10a46f94-8434-4657-bed3-c979ce4c6c67/Leaflet.pdf
We continue to fundraise the remaining funds needed for the project. Our crowdfunding appeal was very successful and raised over £20,000. Thank you to everyone who donated to the appeal.
Our new bike recycling workshop
Our new training room extension
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Congratulations to Orpington and Bromley Gateway Club who are celebrating their 50th anniversary by having a party on Friday 30th June, 7pm to 10pm, at Crofton Hall, Orpington.
For a small entrance fee there will be live music and a buffet.
For more details ring 0208 658 9296 or email [email protected]
Orpington & Bromley Gateway Clubfor Adults with Learning Disabilities Registered Charity Number 1064396
Patron: The Baroness Betty Boothroyd, OM, PCs
Registered Charity No 1064396 Partially funded by London Borough of Bromley Cliff Shepherd (President)
Mick Vincent (Chairman) Carolyn Gates (Secretary) Derek Gates (Treasurer) Carol Keeler (Club Leader)
Come and join us at our
5500tthh AAnnnniivveerrssaarryy ppaarrttyy !!!!1967 - 2017
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FFrriiddaayy 3300tthh JJuunneeCCrrooffttoonn HHaallllss OOrrppiinnggttoonn
LLaarrggee HHaallll77-- 1100ppmm
a fun packed celebration, a superb raffle and an evening buffet with live music …
WWee wwaanntt tthhee hhaallll ffuullll ooffmmeemmbbeerrss,, ccaarreerrss ppaarreennttss
&& ffrriieennddssMMeemmbbeerrss ££22 VViissiittoorrss ££33
RSVP: Cliff Shepherd 0208 658 9296
email [email protected]
HEALTH NEWS SPECIALIf you have a learning disability and have joined the learning disability register, you might also be able to have a free Annual Health Check. Find out more here: https://www.mencap.org.uk/advice-and-support/health/dont-miss-out/dont-miss-out-annual-health-checks
A free event on 20 June at The Oval, London will share the latest information on how NHS England and partners are working to make lives better for people with a learning disability. It will look at how we are improving health, wellbeing and safety for and with people who have a learning disability and their families. To register for a place email [email protected]
Over three quarters of people with a learning disability are missing out on vital support at GP surgeries.
Mencap, in partnership with NHS England, has launched new Don’t Miss Out guides and a video to improve healthcare for people with a learning disability by encouraging them to register on their GP’s learning disability register. More here: https://www.mencap.org.uk/advice-and-support/health/dont-miss-out/dont-miss-out-annual-health-checksFinally Mencap wants to hear from people with a learning disability about their experiences of healthcare. This information will feed into their health report later in the year. The survey can be completed here https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/mencap_health_survey
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NEWSCORNERAll-In-One Launches Sensory OnesieThe product was launched to mark Autism World Awareness Week. More details here: http://www.the-all-in-one-company.co.uk/blog/2017/03/its-not-just-a-onesie-its-com-fort-and-peace-of-mind/?utm_source=The%20National%20Autistic%20Society&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=8170885_April%202017%20Newsletter&dm_i=YA3,4V4P1,FL3KPW,IEIFU,1
DIY SOS Applications are open for homeowners that require major building work to their property due to a change in circumstances. More here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/showsand-tours/takepart/diy_sos
Social Care SurveyHealthwatch Bromley and Healthwatch Lewisham are carrying out a research project across both boroughs, looking into the social care needs and experiences of local people. The survey should only take 5 minutes to complete and can be accessed here: https://www.sur-veymonkey.co.uk/r/X3FJWSD
Wheels for Wellbeing’s SurveyIf you are a disabled cyclist (at inclusive cycling sessions, on roads, or anywhere else), please take this short survey so Wheels for Wellbeing can speak with increased authority when they talk to MPs and policymakers about what disabled cyclists say they experience and need.
You can complete the survey here: http://www.getyourselfactive.org/2017/02/10/take-part-in-wheels-for-wellbeings-5-minute-survey/
Make It Stop The National Autistic Society has released a short film to show the impact of too much information which can be seen here: http://www.autism.org.uk/get-involved/tmi/film.aspx
Our round-up of local and national disability news and developments
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Do you know?Find out about new services or changes that could have an impact on YOU
New Financial Support Services In BromleyFrom April Vibrance started supporting people living in the London Borough of Bromley in receipt of a Direct Payment with payroll and fundholding. This builds upon the information, advice and guidance, LinkMeUp Personal Assistant Register and Support Planning services that Certitude have been providing in the area for the past five years.
Vibrance Self Directed Support (SDS) Services have been designed to empower people to have more choice and control over how their care and support needs are met.Samantha Wilkinson, Director of SDS said “Whilst people want to choose and employ their own staff, many feel overwhelmed by the thought of recruiting staff and managing a payroll. We are excited to be working in partnership with London Borough of Bromley to provide a complete support service to enable people to become responsible employers and raise awareness of the opportunities it can offer.” For more information please visit www.linkmeup.org.uk or contact 0208 290 6639, email [email protected]
Air Jump Trampoline ParkAir Jump in Orpington have SEN sessions at 9am on Sundays, priced at £8 per person with 1 supervising carer going free. Siblings welcome. For more information email [email protected]
Problems Holding Your Mobile?Disability Rights UK stock ‘grip rings’, to attach to the back of your phone or tablet and provide added support when carrying or using your device. To apply, remove the sticker from the back of the grip ring and place onto the back of your smart device.
• Simply attach to any sleeve or cover
• Full 360-degree rotation• Can be easily removed and
reused
To order click here: https://crm.disabilityrightsuk.org/phone-and-tablet-grip-ring
Price: £4.00
On The MoveBromley Adult Learning Disability Team and Oxleas are moving out of Yeoman House to Queen Mary’s Hospital, Frognal Avenue, Sidcup, Kent DA14 6LT. The new team will be known as The Adult Learning Disability (ALD) Service. The new phone number is 020 3871 5680. Bromley Social Care (Duty Line) also has a new phone number - 020 3871 5740.
Mousetrap Theatre ProjectsProviding special school workshops, relaxed performances and theatre visits. More here:https://www.mousetrap.org.uk/index.php
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Upcoming Events
Launch Event for SEN Children And Young PeopleFollowing consultation with a range of different groups, Mytime Active is holding a launch event aimed at children and young people with special educational needs at the Pavilion Leisure Centre, The Pavilion, Kentish Way, Bromley, BR1 3EF on 25th May from 5.30 to 7.30 pm. The free event will give families the opportunity to get involved with ‘buzz zone’ their fun soft play area and bowling. Plus there will be free food and drinks and more information about exclusive activity sessions. To book email [email protected] or call 0208 323 1708
Daytrippers Daytrippers is a charity supporting disabled and terminally ill children and young people throughout the UK. They do this by funding days out and organising bespoke inclusive events. Their next event is on Saturday 10th June, 11am-3pm, at the Tate Britain. It’s free but you will need to book here: http://www.daytrippers.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Diggin-the-Gallery-flyer.pdf
Up The CreekGreenwich Mencap presents an evening of 70s, 80s and contemporary disco music and funkadelic tunes with DJ Metal Mickey on Tuesday 20th June at 302 Creek Rd - London - SE10 9SW. 7.30pm till 11pm, tickets cost £5 and carers are free. To book tickets call Kameel on 020 8305 2245 ex 212/204 or email fundraising@greenwichmencap
The Autism Show16th and 17th June at ExCeL London in association with The National Autistic Society. The Autism Show presents the latest autism information, practical advice, products and services. Visitors can hear from leading autism professionals, listen to adults on the spectrum talk about their experiences, learn new strategies and approaches for home and the classroom and access one-to-one specialist advice. More information and to book tickets here http://london.autismshow.co.uk/
Autism-friendly AladdinDisney’s newest musical Aladdin is staging its first ever autism-friendly performance on 29 August at Prince Edward Theatre, London. Adjustments will help make Aladdin an unmissable experience for autistic people and their families. More here: http://www.autism.org.uk/about/family-life/holidays-trips/performances.aspx?utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=march2017newsletter&utm_medium=email&dm_i=YA3,4THMA,FL3KPW,I68W4,1
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WATCH THIS SPACE! Open Days at the Lodge
– coming soon!
The Lodge community hub is nearly ready and we are beginning to work on the garden with teams of volunteers from some local businesses – we are very grateful for their support.
Once the garden is underway we will be arranging a series of Open Days, so we can show you around, and tell you more about the courses we will be running.
The Lodge will be opening as a training centre for disabled adults and providing the opportunity to learn the skills required to seek paid employment in either catering, horticulture or bicycle recycling.
If you’d like to find out more about the Lodge or would like to come along to one of the Open Days, please email Caroline Stone on [email protected] and we can then add you to our mailing list and keep you up to date with developments.
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A Day At Work With Neil HarrisNeil is on Jobmatch’s Step Forward programme. Our Education, Training and Employment Advisor, Ian Breslin, negotiated the job for Neil following a meeting with Directors for a large company called Interserve. At the meeting Ian showed a film about two Jobmatch candidates who have been working at Paragon Construction for over a year.
Ian then met with the Executive Director of Interserve and they discussed job carving a position for somebody at the Waterloo office. This is where Neil fits in. Interserve carved an administration job within the company and Neil was asked if he would like to be interviewed for the position. Neil gave a brilliant interview and was offered the job. Neil now carries out administrative tasks at the Waterloo office.
Jobmatch supported Neil at his interview, his travel training and his administrative tasks. Interserve have now also employed another Jobmatch candidate full time. Jobmatch are very grateful to Paragon Construction and Interserve for creating these oppurtunities and will continue to work with them.
Jobmatch
Neil on his way to work
Signing in at Reception
Will the admin ever end?!
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Riverside Work Experience InitiativeRiverside School in Orpington and Jobmatch are working together to deliver a work experience programme for Year 12 and 13 students. We met with the teachers and students and established what sort of work place environments the students were interested in. We then contacted a variety of local employers and have established a tailored programme for each student. We have worked closely with the school, employers and of course the students. The range of placements include working in a primary school with the PE teacher, assisting in cake baking at a local café, customer service at a sports facility, gardening in a local English Heritage property, supporting a production being staged by a local performing arts charity and office based work. Every student is supported one-to-one throughout the placement. Sonali, our first work experience student went home to tell her family about her work experience and to explain that she had been working on preparing a raffle ticket mail out and franking the envelopes ready for posting. She had a thoroughly enjoyable, and productive, work experience.
Jobmatch
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Our new Assistant Chief Executive, Mary Mason
I am delighted to have joined the Bromley Mencap team as the new Assistant Chief Executive. Having worked within the voluntary sector for some years now and, with a background in healthcare, I am excited about helping the organisation to continue moving forward, grow and support more members and clients in the future. Working closely with the Chief Executive, my role is to oversee the business needs of the organisation and help us further develop our services and our staff teams whilst continuing to campaign to ensure that the needs of our service users are paramount. I have a very busy life outside of work with an inter-est in local amateur Musical Theatre where I perform and direct. I also love cricket, sit on the committee of a local cricket club and can be found all summer at weekends watching my husband and son play whilst scoring in the rain!
INTRODUCING...
Mary MasonAssistant Chief Executive
Extra day at Day Opps!!
Our Day Opps project is now open four days a week – Tuesday through to Friday.
The project is an alternative day service for disabled adults. Participants are fully involved in planning the monthly programme of activities with regular focus group meetings. We offer a wide range of activities to enhance travel training, independence skills, budgeting skills, access to the local community, preparation for employment, social wellbeing and most importantly, having fun! Some activities are based at our venue in West Wickham, and others are at our allotment and in the local community.
If you think this service might appeal to you or a family member, please email Caroline Stone on [email protected] so we can arrange a convenient time for you to visit.
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Outdoor Activities ClubThe Outdoor Activities Club continues to have fantastic turnouts. We have events coming up throughout the year - watch this space.
These pictures are from the recent stroll around Scadbury Park. Can you spot the before and after snaps? - Ian Breslin
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Breads and Pastries Course Due to funding from Bromley Adult Education’s Community Learning Fund we are running three courses this year. The first one, Bread and Pastries, has just finished, and was thoroughly enjoyed by all attendees. Over the course of 8 weeks the students learnt how to make sausage rolls, pastries, croissants, profiteroles, scones, hot cross buns and rolls. The group were also able to visit Tesco at Elmers End to see how an operational bakery worked.
Thank you to Nicole for making us so welcome! We learnt how the dough was made, saw the proving ovens, and the ovens where the bread is cooked. It’s not every day you get to take warm doughnuts out of the oven and coat them in sugar! A real treat, especially as we got to take them home.
What some of our students had to say:
‘My best recipe was Danish pastries. I enjoyed meeting new people and learning with them. I want to try and make some of the recipes again at home.’ ‘My favourite recipes were hot cross buns and profiteroles. I also helped do the washing up! I enjoyed meeting new people and learnt lots of new skills. I’d like to try and make some of the recipes at home’ ‘I enjoyed the course, and liked eating the cinnamon swirls. We went to Tesco on the mini-bus, where we put sugar onto the fresh doughnuts’
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Health Promotion Event in conjunction with Royal Mencap
Going to the doctor is not always easy, especially if you have a learning disability. It can be hard to make an appointment, understand what the doctor is saying, or explain symptoms.
252,446 people are currently on the Learning Disability (QOF) register in England. That is just 23% of the estimated total population. This means that 77% of people with a learning disability are an invisible majority, who are losing out on the opportunity to have an Annual Health Check, or to receive reasonably adjusted healthcare that suits their needs.
In terms of Annual Health Checks, an average of 49% of people on the GP register in England received a health check in 2014-15. However, there are thousands of people who are missing out on this service because they are not on the register.
We ran a health promotion event in the Easter holiday, where we watched a short film which Mencap produced for the project. We did activities including finding where our local GP, Dentist, Optician, and hospitals were located, a fruit tasting challenge and completed questionnaires about healthy lifestyles.
We were also fortunate to be supported by Lucy, a dental therapist from the SEN Dental Team and Melanie, a nurse from the Community Learning Disability Team. Both spoke about what to expect from a visit to the GP or the dentist and were able to provide reassurance about appointments.
Please take a look at the film at www.mencap.org.uk/dontmissout Royal Mencap have also produced a range of information booklets in easy read format – these can be accessed at https://www.mencap.org.uk/advice-and-support/health/dont-miss-out/dont-miss-out-guides
The event was enjoyed by all and hopefully everyone will feel a little more confident attending medical appointments from now on.
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Carers’ Lunch Club 9th JuneOur monthly lunch club is for carers over 55. The lunch club has a regular attendance of 20-30 members. It’s a good opportunity to make new friends and chat to parents in a similar situation whilst enjoying a free, 3-course lunch with drinks.
We provide information and updates on local services and there is usually a guest speaker giving informative talks on a variety of subjects. If you would like to come along to any of the lunches please call the Bromley Mencap office on 0208 466 0790 to book your place. Please let us know as soon as possible as places will be limited. We look forward to seeing you there.
Lifetime Membership for Disabled PeopleOver the years many parent/carers have mentioned that they would like their son/daugh-ter to remain connected to Bromley Mencap to ensure they can still receive support, attend our leisure services and keep in touch with their friends. Some parents are concerned that membership could lapse when they are no longer around to keep up with the paperwork. In response to these worries we have decided to introduce life membership of Bromley Mencap for just £75. If you would like to take out life membership for your son or daughter or you want to know more about this, please contact either Gill Eldridge or Sue Saeed on 0208 466 0790.
Keep Fit 2017This year’s ‘Weather Work’ Keep Fit classes got off to a great start and once again the classes are fully booked. It was great to see many of our regular ‘keep fitters’ who said it was ‘great to be back’ and we welcome our new members who are looking forward to the classes.
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Community Fundraising - Jane BarnesChislehurst Golf ClubChislehurst Golf Club presented Bromley Mencap with cheques totalling £13,086.24 after a year of fundraising. Lady Golf Captain, Maggie Unwin, had chosen Bromley Mencap as her charity of the year when she took office 12 months ago. The club has raised the money through many events including afternoon tea, golf days, a bridge afternoon, various raffles and a summer concert. This brings the total amount raised by the club to £17,770.18 as funds were received last year from a sponsored slim by golf member, Trevor Marsh. This is a magnificent amount and we are very grateful for the support. The cheque was presented by Maggie Unwin and Alan Baldwin, Lady Captain and Captain, to Ann Kean, Vice Chair of Bromley Mencap and Jane Barnes, Corporate & Community Fundraiser.
Gingham Goose Craft Markets 2017 Gingham Goose Craft Markets will be supporting our Lodge Community Hub by raising funds from their regular events held at Hayes Village Hall throughout the year. The next event is the Spring Craft Fair which will be held on 20 May. Pop along to support us and local crafts people and buy handmade goods.
Crowdfunder.co.uk Huge thanks to everyone that supported our crowdfunding campaign. With generous donations from Chislehurst Golf Club, Trust for London and City Bridge Trust we raised a total of £20,670. We are delighted that we reached our target and look forward to the Community Hub opening very soon.
Summer Raffle & Pamper Event Our Summer raffle will be drawn at the Pamper event on Saturday 24 June. Again we have some amazing prizes, which include £250 cash, 2 tickets for the VIP suite at the O2 to Star Sixes, £50 cash, tickets for Leeds Castle and more. Tickets have been posted to you so please return the completed stubs together with either cash or a cheque made payable to Bromley Mencap, in the envelope provided.
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Laptops & LipsticksThe ladies at Laptops & Lipsticks network group have taken part in skydives, 5km fun runs, quizzes, raffles and much, much more over the past two years to raise over £3,700 for our cause. We have been so pleased to have their support and thank them all.
Co-op Local & TescoBoth Co-op and Tesco are currently supporting our Community Hub project in Norman Park. The Co-op Local Community Fund will give 1% of everything Co-op members spend on Co-op branded products and services for 6 months from April to October to fund local causes. Become a Co-op member today, if you aren’t already and sign in to your account to select your cause at www.coop.co.uk/membership You can also find out how the fund works. Tesco teamed up with Groundwork to launch its community funding scheme, which sees grants of £4,000, £2,000 and £1,000 – all raised from the 5p bag levy – being awarded to local community projects.
Bags of Help offers community groups and projects across the UK a share of revenue generated from the 5p charge levied on single-use carrier bags. The public will now vote in store during May and June on who should receive the £4,000, £2,000 and £1,000 awards. To vote, you will need to make a purchase of any value within any of the stores listed below. You will receive one token per transaction and it’s not necessary to purchase a car-rier bag in order to receive a token. Voting takes place at the following stores:
Anerly Road Crystal Palace Express SE19 2AHBeckenham Express BR3 4EPBiggin Hill Express TN16 3BBBromley BR1 2UEBromley Express BR2 0UJ Bromley Plaistow Lane Express BR1 4DSCroydon Road Penge Express SE20 7TYElmers End BR3 4AAHigh Street Penge Express SE20 7QBLondon Penge High Street Express SE20 7EXOrpington BR6 0NHSt Pauls Cray Express BR5 3AQBromley High Street Express BR1 1LF
For more details on this scheme please visit www.tesco.com/bagsofhelp
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Jane Barnes, Corporate and Community FundraiserEmail [email protected] Tel: 020 8466 0790
Community Fundraising
Upcoming EventsWe have many collections and events booked throughout the coming year but here are just a few of the more recent ones coming up. As ever, we need volunteers to join us and help to make these a success. Please contact me if you can help in any way.
Date Event & Location Help needed TimesSaturday 24 June Pamper & Shopping Event Help in kitchen and sell-
ing raffle tickets12pm help to set upEvent 1pm-4pm 4pm to help clear away
Sunday 2 July All day Dragon Boat Race, Mote Park, Maidstone
Volunteers to run fund-raising stall
All day (times to be confirmed)
Saturday 8 July Chelsfield Village Fair Volunteers to run fundraising stall
12 pm onwards
Saturday 29 August Firewalk, Hop & Rye Pub, Bromley
Volunteers and walkers 7pm
Nationally a General Election has been called for 8th June. Mencap has produced easy read guides and resources on everything you need to know about voting, registering to vote and supporting someone to vote. These can be downloaded here https://www.mencap.org.uk/get-involved/campaigning/voting-and-registering-vote?q=voting-and-registering-vote&mc_cid=d7b43bbd85&mc_eid=6a17ce5015
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Copy deadline for July/August 2017 is 1st July Editor: Luan Lanham, email: [email protected]: Bromley Mencap, Rutland House, 44 Masons HillBromley Kent BR2 9JG TEL: 020 8466 0790
Copyright © Bromley Mencap Charity Number: 800685
The opinions expressed in Bromley Mencap Bulletin are thoseof the individual contributors and not necessarily those of Bromley Mencap. We reserve the right to edit articles before publication.