For the past few months 12 members at the Thanet Resource Centre have tried their hand at Manston Golf Centre’s Driving Range. Fridays, I support a group of five individuals, all with a keen interest in the Tee-Box and a love of the great outdoors.

As a golfer myself, I take great pride in being able to work with my group, developing their abilities and aiming to obtain the skills to play a few holes. Manston Golf Centre, is very supportive towards the group, recently

donating a whole caddyshack of clubs. Golfing Coach/Pro, Keely Chiericato is there on Fridays, commenting: ‘It's fantastic how enthusiastic they all are and its great to see more people becoming involved in the sport. The guys

are always keen to know more about the sport. I hope with the recent donation of clubs from us that this will encourage more of the group to become involved.’ I hope that by the Summer we can approach the green and look forward to our first mixed foursomes.

By [Ground control to Major] Tom Wilmshurst

Swinging

I’d like

to take

the Rough to

the Green

”

Club-A-Go-Going ~ Wendy Flips ~ GEEK MAG MAG World ~ Hip Hop Hooray! INSIDE:

East Kent Mencap Newsletter

M a r c h 2 0 1 3 | I s s u e 2

A Range of Articles on p2-3

Hard Drives &

Computer Chipping on p4-5

Putting Thanet First on p6

Boys

Keep

”

January 17th: The EKM Swale group have been enjoying all new activities at the Resource Hub in Seashells, Sheerness. Here, Paul from The British Red Cross shows 18 of our members how to save lives in emergency first aid

training, involving compressions, breathing techniques and even using makeshift first aid kits with clothes and household items! Since the beginning of the year our

Swale group have been getting involved in Photography, Drama, Art, Men’s Fitness & Women’s Wellbeing.

If you or someone you know in the Swale area would like to get involved in the activities at our Resource Hub, contact Jaime Giddings via the details on the

back.

EKM Tennant, Gillian Johnstone was

amazed

to find

herself in

a local

rap video

in

January! Now,

seen by

over

100,000

people on YouTube, ‘Ghost Town’, a

song about Margate

was performed by

Margate-born

Mic Righteous. ‘I was

at the bus stop one

Sunday morning and

saw it all being filmed,’ says Gillian,

‘When I saw it I called my sister to

tell her! I was

proud to see

myself in a film

about my

hometown.’ We

look forward to

seeing Gillian in

more local rap

videos in the

future.

Members of EKM received certificates in Moving & Handling training at our Resource Centre in Margate. Jill

Kennington adds, ‘Just like staff here, members will benefit from the correct

training to pick up and move objects safely, ensuring the safety of themselves and others. This can go into their own files which may be

useful if in college or paid/unpaid work’

U n d e r P r e s s u r eU n d e r P r e s s u r eU n d e r P r e s s u r e

R e b e l R e b e lR e b e l R e b e lR e b e l R e b e l

February 20th: Leah took a trip to the Marlowe Theatre,

Canterbury to see the

international

smash hit:

Stomp. Along

with members

of our

Community

Support Team,

the afternoon

was a thrilling mix of percussion, dance, theatre &

comedy. ‘It was really good, but nowhere near as

loud as I thought it would be!’ said Support Worker

Emma, ‘We support Leah to try a range of events

and activities, making sure when she

communicates a preference we visit similar things!’

F o o t s t o m p i n ’

F o o t s t o m p i n ’

F o o t s t o m p i n ’

A n y W a y , A n y H o w , A n y W a y , A n y H o w , A n y W a y , A n y H o w , A n y w h e r eA n y w h e r eA n y w h e r e

February 12: Staff members Wendy Cameron & Dawn Charlton put their pancake skills to good use, raising money for EKM at lunch time. ‘I was the first to try one, it tasted pretty good and Wendy looked the part’ remarked

Ed (top left)

Later that evening, our Youth Group had a go themselves. Youth Co-ordinator Ange Brown said: ‘We all had so much fun. More opportunities

for kitchen activities would be great for members to practice their skills so that one day we may achieve the Pandexterous-Charlton-handed-flip!

Mencap Action Group

(MAG) meets every

Monday giving tenants

in our supported and independent living in Thanet the chance to have their say about the

things that are important to them in the area. Here’s an update of what they have been

involved in:

7th January: Robin Cahill from KCC came to talk to us about Gangs and keeping safe in the community.

14th & 21th January: Colin Guest from the Tizard Centre visited with students to run a survey about bad experiences that have happened to people and how they felt about talking to Police.

28th January: Members of Kent Community Health Team came to talk to us about the Patient Engagement Network and we helped them to make information easier to

understand.

EKM’s Valentines

Dance at The Red Arrow Club was

enjoyed by all on February 8th. Faye & Auntie Karen came along to our quarterly dance, we hope to see you at the next one on June 14th!

Photograph by Liam Kelly

Our Youth Group also

got flipping for Pancake

Day! Ryan (right)

enjoys the only

pancake

existing long

enough in order

to be photographed!

W h a t ’ s R e a l l y H a p p e n i n gW h a t ’ s R e a l l y H a p p e n i n gW h a t ’ s R e a l l y H a p p e n i n g

Photograph submitted by Claire Goldfinch

D a n c e D a n c e D a n c e M a g i c M a g i c M a g i c D a n c eD a n c eD a n c e

S o m e t h i n g I n T h e A i rS o m e t h i n g I n T h e A i rS o m e t h i n g I n T h e A i r

February 21: Members of EKM were invited along to a preview day of

Game Expo East Kent [GEEK] at Margate Winter Gardens. Developed by Marine Studios in Margate, GEEK entertained gamers with over 150 consoles and 1000 playable games. The community day, sponsored by Thanet District Council saw people testing out new technology, practicing their DJ-ing skills, reminiscing with retro and learning fitness tips with interactive sports! Youth Co-ordinator, Ange added, ‘30 tickets were given to us, which were enjoyed by members young & old. We would like to thank Roxanne Williams at GEEK HQ for coming to talk to

us and arranging for us to join in. Looking forward to GEEK:2014!’

It’s No Game pt1:It’s No Game pt1:It’s No Game pt1: SoSoSo

Tin Machine:Tin Machine:Tin Machine: Thanks to you, EKM has had over 100,000 hits on our website, 1000+ Facebo

‘It was well worth going!

It was good to see computers

through the generations,

we all enjoyed something

different there… for me it was pinball!’

The East Kent Mencap photography groups newest exhibition:

A Splash Of Colour is currently being held at Herne Bay Library until

March 28th (Free to all, open 9-5 Mon-Sat). Exploring colour, light &

movement, the group continue to create some truly mesmerizing images so come along and let us know what you think!

Photograph by Lee Harrison

Sound & Vision

Sound & Vision

Sound & Vision Shapes Shapes Shapes

Of Of Of Things Things Things

Thanks to you, EKM has had over 100,000 hits on our website, 1000+ Facebook friends & 900+ Twitter followers! Please keep suggesting, sharing, liking & tweeting our posts!

The Nicky & Eileen Barber Charitable Trust have kindly funded our photography group for another year. £2,115 has

allowed the group to continue visiting Sandwich Bay

Observatory and purchase a video camera so that

they can exhibit their work in a new & exciting way!

Did you come along to our 2nd Community Quiz, held in Cliftonville on March 1st? Our 3rd event is

going to be even bigger! We can announce that it will

be at Jungle Jim’s in Quex Park on June 21st. Look out for more details in future…

The Gibbons Family Trust are supporting the work of our Youth group in Cliftonville, providing £1,000 this

will allow us to continue developing activities for

11-25 year olds.

Thankyou to Bradstow Lodge for their donation of £100 which will go towards

activities at our Resource Centre in

Thanet!

Thanks go out to Kent Metals who have raised £40.80 with their collection tin! Please get in touch if

you know a local business that would be happy to

put out one of our collection tins

If you’re taking part in a fundraising event or would

simply like to donate, take a look at our website &

click ‘Donate’ to see how easy it is to sign up and be part of EKM’s success. Your support makes all the

difference!

P a g e 6

EKM regularly meets with other local charities to

share learning & support each other to offer the best services for the

people we support in the most cost effective way. Recently we have been discussing how to compete with the big charities’ fundraising efforts & all the resources and publicity they can command. Enter: Thanet First, a group of 6 charities, all with

services in the local area, who are working in partnership to share our fundraising resources, thereby increasing opportunities, meeting the challenges of change,

providing excellent value & promoting Thanet as an area to support. The 5 other charities are: Oasis Domestic Abuse Service, Thanet

Community Networks, Kent Enterprise Trust, Pie Factory Music & Home Start.

Our mantra is: ‘Live Local, Work Local, Give Local’. So by supporting Thanet First you will know that only local people & organisations benefit, and all support stays in Thanet, going where it is most needed and appreciated. The group is exploring a variety of ways to generate money and already has

the support of 3 of the most influential companies in East Kent: East Kent College, Manston Airport &

Westwood Cross. We’re developing this business relationship and so far we

have signed up for payroll giving, and donating old mobiles.

If you are interested in further information about Thanet First, go to:

www.thanetfirst.org / @ThanetFirst & look out for news of further events and initiatives in the coming year.

In the current financial climate EKM is always looking for new ways to fundraise so when the opportunity came to

promote payroll giving we were keen to get involved.

Payroll Giving is a simple way to donate to charity directly from your salary

on a regular basis. Because your donation leaves your

account before you receive your

salary it is a simple & painless way to

support charity. Most people give between £4-10 per

month & donations are tax free making them cost effective for you & the

recipient. If you would like to donate to EKM using payroll giving, talk to your employer or contact Jane at EKM for

more details.

M a n I n T h e M a n I n T h e M a n I n T h e M i d d l eM i d d l eM i d d l e

S t r a n g e r s W h e n W e M e e tS t r a n g e r s W h e n W e M e e tS t r a n g e r s W h e n W e M e e t

H e r o e s

H e r o e s

H e r o e s

You can now donate by Text Message. A fast & easy way to donate to East Kent Mencap

The Canterbury Club Ages: 18+ 7pm-9pm. LAST DATE AT Thanington Resource Centre: Wed: 20th March. Future dates at The Umbrella

Centre, St Peter’s Place, Canterbury CT1 2DB £2.50 Entry. (See Above)

The Gateway Club Ages: 18+ 6.45pm-8.45pm. Mondays except Bank holidays. New Gateway House, Northdown Road, Cliftonville, CT9 2RB. £2.50

entry

The Crypt Club Ages: 11-25. 7.30pm-9.30pm Thurs: 11Apr, 9May, 13Jun. Windchimes, Reynolds Close, Herne Bay, CT6 6DS. £2.50 entry

Youth Group Ages: 11-25, 6pm-8pm. Tues: 12Mar, 16Apr, 14May, 11Jun. Held at New Gateway House Cliftonville. Parent/carer must stay on premises. £2.50 entry

Youth Bowling Group Ages: 11-25 Wednesdays 6-8pm. AMF Bowling, Margate. Parent/carer must stay on premises. £2.75

A Splash Of Colour: EKM Photography group’s newest exhibition at the Herne Bay Library until March 28th. FREE ENTRY

Quiz Night Our 3rd Quiz Night will be held on June 21st at Jungle Gyms in Quex Park, raising funds for EKM & Oasis Domestic Abuse Service . Teams of 4-8. Licenced bar. £7 each including meal. Get in touch via details to book!

New Beginnings: EKM Swale Prom: April 5th. 7-10pm Sittingbourne Sports Bar 7-11 High Street ME10 4AY. £4. contact Janine on 07889563103 or see website.

Red Arrow Club: Summer Dance: June 14th. At the Red arrow club, Newington Road, Ramsgate CT11 0QX 7:30-10:30pm. Tickets between £2.20-£12.50 contact Lynda on 01843-224482

SAVE THE DATE: Our 2nd Broadstairs Variety Show will be on May 30th and our 6th EKM FunDay will be on July 25th. More details online & in our next issue!

Ashford: June 7- St Francis Church, Cryol Road, Ashford, 1030-1pm

Canterbury: May 28- St Mary Bredin Church, Nunnery Fields, Canterbury 10:30-1pm

Thanet: June 4- St Paul's hall, St Pauls Rd, Cliftonville, Margate 10:30-12:30pm

Shepway: June 10- St Saviours, Canterbury Road, Folkestone 10:30-1pm

Dover: June 6- at St Mary's church centre, Dieu Stone Lane, Dover 10:30-1pm

Swale: May 30- Seashells Children’s Centre, Sheerness 11:00-1pm

P a g e 7

I K n o w I K n o w I K n o w

I t ’ s G o n n a

I t ’ s G o n n a

I t ’ s G o n n a

H a p p e n

H a p p e n

H a p p e n

S o m e d a y . . .

S o m e d a y . . .

S o m e d a y . . .

For more details on our clubs & events, please call 01843-224482 or visit

www.eastkentmencap.co.uk

Swale Support Worker, Janine has be-

gun working with the art & crafts group to

decorate their next Prom Night at the Sittingbourne Sports Bar. ‘We wanted our second

Prom to be even better than the last and have been working together to make the venue look fantastic on

the night!’

We love seeing your photos from

our events & activities. You can

tweet, tag or email them in via

details on the back!

J a n i n e G e n i e :J a n i n e G e n i e :J a n i n e G e n i e :

C h u r c h O n T i m e : D P G s I n Y o u r A r e aC h u r c h O n T i m e : D P G s I n Y o u r A r e aC h u r c h O n T i m e : D P G s I n Y o u r A r e a

EKM’s Swale Group are Charity of The

Year 2013! Look out for us in the

Sheerness Times Guardian!

If you would like

to work for East

Kent Mencap as a

Community

Support Worker

in the Herne Bay

area, please

contact Alison,

our HR Officer on

01842-224482 or

visit our website

for more details

This month, we say goodbye to Registered Manager: Dawn Charlton, who, after working with EKM for over 15 years will be moving to East Anglia.

Back in 1997 we were called Thanet Mencap Society. I started off in registered home, Muriel House as a care worker and becoming registered Manager in 2004:

‘I have seen so many changes to

the way people with learning

disabilities are treated in East

Kent, as well as EKM’s effect

and development. Our members

are in control of their lives more

than ever before and I have had

first hand experience of people

achieving things that once they

never thought they could

possibly do, whether it was

going on holiday independently,

getting a job or performing on

stage in front of a big crowd!

Sixteen years ago a member or

tenant would have done what

they were asked, gone where

was suggested, not really

chosen anything for themselves,

people now say no if they don’t

want to do or go where and what is suggested,

people now tell staff what they want to do and

the staff support them to do it!

EKM are a great example of person centred

support for people. I will miss the feel of coming

to work and spending time with people who

enjoy being there (the staff too!).

I would like to carry on working with people in

the future and will keep in touch!’

We will miss you Dawn & wish you all the best!

Newsletter designed and edited by Paul Wrynne

JOIN OUR ONLINE MAILING LIST and stay up to date with news &

events– send your email / address to info@eastkentmencap.co.uk

www.eastkentmencap.co.uk

info@eastkentmencap.co.uk

01843 224482

Registered Charity Number:

220798

East Kent Mencap supports people with learning disabilities in East Kent to live full and valued lives with

the same choices and opportunities as everyone else.

East Kent Mencap

New Gateway House

132 Northdown

Road

Cliftonville

Kent CT9 2RB

Find us on

Facebook &

Twitter under:

East Kent

Mencap

E a s t K e n t M e n c a pE a s t K e n t M e n c a pE a s t K e n t M e n c a p

A b s o l u t e A b s o l u t e A b s o l u t e B e g i n n e r sB e g i n n e r sB e g i n n e r s

East Kent Mencap’s Domiciliary Service has met all 5 standards of the Care Quality Commission’s Inspection Report, covering care, welfare, medicines, staff, treatment & complaints. Registered Manager Dawn (see left) comments: ‘I am very happy EKM has

been able to continue at

such a high standard of

practice all this time’.

EKM also received recognition recently,

from Peninsula: ‘for outstanding efforts and

commitment to

achieving a successful &

proactive Health &

Safety culture in the

workplace’

G o l d e n Ye a r sG o l d e n Ye a r sG o l d e n Ye a r s P l a y I t S a f eP l a y I t S a f eP l a y I t S a f e