Inspiring PeopleWith help from our Personal Development Coach James Hughes, member Shane secured an exciting three-year job contract with National Mencap. For Shane it has been a thrilling journey, where he has grown in confidence and rubbed shoulders with the stars. It all began one year ago…

Shane Karcioglu, 21, joined a series of ‘inspiring’ workshops at Mencap Liverpool for young people with a learning disability.

Run jointly by Mencap Liverpool and National Mencap, the “Inspire Me” workshops encouraged members to explore a range of issues that would help them build their confidence and learn new life skills.

Shane explains: “I used to find applying for jobs a bit hard because I felt that if two people – one with a learning disability and one without – went for the same job then it would go to the person without a learning disability.”

However, on completing the Inspire Me workshops, a more self-confident Shane approached James for one-to-one support. As James recalls, “Shane was passionate about obtaining paid employment and keen to move things forward in a positive way.”

Then the Inspire Me Learning Disability Consultant position came up. Aimed specifically at people with a learning disability, this role would support and inform the Mencap project across Merseyside.

James alerted Shane to the vacancy straightaway, and coached him in completing the application form and developing his interview technique.

Shane was a hit, beating off stiff competition from nine other candidates to secure the job: “I was made up,” smiles Shane.

So what does Shane, who is based at the Mencap Liverpool office, like most about his

job? He said: “I enjoy helping other young people achieve their personal goals – and my confidence has really improved.

“And I’ve even met with stars from Hollyoaks at an Inspire Me celebration event!”

As James concluded: “Shane is a fantastic role model for young people with a learning disability.”

Phone: 0151 707 8582 Email: contact@mencapliverpool.org.uk Mencap Liverpool, Federation House, Hope Street, Liverpool, L1 9BWRegistered Charity Number 1004262. Company Registered Number 2146838 (England)

How Mencap Liverpool has helped:James has supported 3 young people into meaningful employment, which is great news as many young people, especially those with a learning disability find it very hard to get a job.

Each of these people has worked hard to improve their skills and confidence by coming to workshops or getting involved with volunteering – find out more inside!

Shane and James

Mencap Liverpool

June 2012 - Spring Editionwww.mencapliverpool.org.uk

Big Cuts: Focus on employment

Our members got the lowdown on the new Employment Support Allowance (ESA), thanks to our Big Cuts Follow-Up Event.

Held jointly with National Mencap, this event advised members on changes being made to the benefits system under the new Welfare Reform Act, and support that is available for finding jobs.

Our staff also ran a workshop for people with a learning disability, discussing what types of jobs they would like to do. We gained some really useful information, which will help us shape the way we support people into employment in the future.

All the information from the workshops is being fed back to the Minister for Employment.

If you would like copies of information provided at this event please contact Lois on 0151 707 8582.

New Career Workshops Young people with learning disabilities are being encouraged to realise their career aspirations and achieve their full potential, thanks to Mencap Liverpool.

We are hosting a brand new series of career workshops aimed at members aged 16-25. Working in partnership with the Windmills Foundation, our aim is to encourage young people with a disability to start thinking about their futures, raise aspirations around employment, and recognise the skills and talents they possess.

Many of our young members often discuss their ambition to gain paid employment. Through the workshops, we will provide guidance and support in areas such as routes to employment, CV building, interview technique and talks from a variety of guest speakers.

For more information contact James Hughes, Personal Development Coach, on 0151 707 8582.

t: 0151 707 8582 e: contact@mencapliverpool.org.uk w: www.mencapliverpool.org.uk

• We are holding a series of career workshops for young people aged 16-25.

• If you would like to attend future workshops contact James.

• We ran a workshop about the new Welfare Reform Act and how people with a learning disability can find jobs.

Making a World of DifferenceMember Thomas Butler has joined our staff team as Accessible Campaigns Project Officer, as part of the Vodafone ‘World of Difference’ (WOD) programme.

WOD gives young people the chance to work for the UK charity of their choice.

With 8,000 people competing for just 500 places, Thomas did incredibly well to secure his placement at Mencap Liverpool, with support from our Personal Development Coach James Hughes.

As part of his placement, Thomas will help us deliver an accessible resource pack, for people with a learning disability, to encourage them to get involved in campaigning.

Big Cuts Event

Thomas Butler

Join our Fundraising Committee:Our Fundraising Committee meets once a month to plan events, activities and share innovative new ideas on how to raise money.

Recent fundraising eventsThanks to everyone who came along to our fundraising meal at Mayur Restaurant – it was great to see so many of our members, volunteers and supporters there! The entire event was organised by LJMU students Tracey Donegan and Lauren Howorth, and their hard work certainly paid off – we managed to raise £1,300 in total!

It was a brilliant night: the food was delicious and we also enjoyed some great music. The talented Anna Corcoran played a solo set for guests later on in the evening, so we would like to say thanks to Anna for performing for us again. We would also like to thank the volunteers from Barclays, who helped us put on this fantastic event.

Other recent fundraising events include an Easter bake sale, which raised £100. It was run by office volunteer Sarah Cavanagh, so thanks to Sarah for all her hard work.

Volunteering on the rise!This year, we have seen a big increase in the number of people with a learning disability who want to volunteer - and we currently have the highest number of office volunteers with a learning disability we have ever had!

Each of these 10 volunteers works closely with Lois (Volunteer Co-ordinator) to identify what skills they want to develop through volunteering. Whether it is working on their computer skills, learning about administration or increasing their confidence, we do our best to ensure that the work our volunteers do will help them to achieve these goals. Our volunteers

t: 0151 707 8582 e: contact@mencapliverpool.org.uk w: www.mencapliverpool.org.uk

Clockwise: Members Jamie, Charlotte & Emma

• Our members, volunteers and supporters had a tasty Indian meal and helped raise more than £1,300 for our charity.

Volunteer Fundraisers – we need you!We are currently looking for volunteers to help us with fundraising, so we can support even more people in Liverpool with a learning disability. You can...

If you would like to get involved please contact Lois Nash onTel: 0151 707 8582 or email: contact@mencapliverpool.org.uk

Volunteer at any of these bucket collections:• Saturday, 16th June (Liverpool One)

• Friday, 31st August (Liverpool City Centre)

• Saturday, 1st September (Liverpool City Centre)

Thank youTo all the staff at Ford Halewood Transmission who kindly donated money from their wages to raise a fantastic £600 for our charity.

To Brian Stewart and James Litherland who will be doing the Liverpool to Chester Bike Ride on 8th July.

To sponsor Brian or James visit the Virgin Money Giving website at: www.virginmoneygiving.com. Where it says ‘Make a Donation – Sponsor Your Friend’, type “Brian Stewart” or “James Litherland”. The event date will be 8th July and the charity is Mencap Liverpool.

WelcomeChloe Harvey is the latest lovely face to join the Mencap Liverpool office. Chloe recently relocated to Liverpool and works for National Mencap during most of the week, but also gets involved with our activities and projects. She is helping to make the office more accessible to all our members.

GoodbyeWe were very saddened when John Rand (Snr) passed away in April. A longstanding supporter of Mencap Liverpool, John had worked tirelessly to empower people with a learning disability both personally and professionally for many years. He will be greatly missed by all of us and our thoughts are with his family and the Company of Friends.

We are also sad to announce the passing of Mrs Janet Gerard and Amy May Mason. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families. We would also like to thank Janet and Amy’s friends and family members, who kindly donated to our charity, in their memory.

Get In Touch! Email: contact@mencapliverpool.org.uk Phone: 0151 707 8582Write to us: Mencap Liverpool, 4th Floor, Federation House, Hope Street, Liverpool, L1 9BWBecome a fan of Mencap Liverpool on Facebook and find out about events and volunteering opportunities first! You can also follow us on Twitter.

Dates for your diary Learning Disability Week / Carers Week eventsLearning Disability Week and Carers Week events will take place during Monday 18 June – Sunday 24 June.

Learning Disability Week 2012 will continue the action that Mencap groups across the country are taking against disability hate crime. In advance of this important week, Stephen John (Regional Campaigns Officer for National Mencap) will visit our office, to talk to carer members about campaigning against hate crime, on Thursday, 14th June, 10.30am – 12noon.

Carers Week celebrates the contribution that carers make to those they care for and to their communities. The theme for 2012 is ‘In sickness and in health’. A special event is being held to highlight how cuts to local services may impact on the health and well-being of carers. We will be hosting a stand on the day – why not come along and meet our team to find out how we can support you as a carer. Special Carers Week event, St George’s Hall, St George’s Place, Liverpool. Thursday, 21st June, 10am – 3pm.

Bucket collections• Saturday, 16th June (Liverpool One)• Friday, 31st August (Liverpool City Centre) • Saturday, 1st September (Liverpool City Centre)

Mencap Liverpool Social Events These events are open to everybody and are FREE to attend. It’s a great way to meet new people and share experiences.

Coffee Mornings. We will be changing the format of our coffee mornings, instead running more workshops and information events for members. For more information contact Lois Nash on 0151 707 8582.

Social Afternoons. Social Afternoons have moved to the last Tuesday of every month, between 1.30-3pm, on 26th June, 31st July and 28th August. We often go to a local café or nearby attraction, so please check our website for location details or meet at the office at 1pm.

Members Drop-In. Every Wednesday afternoon our members with a learning disability will be especially welcome to drop in to the office to hang out. Friends, carers and support workers also welcome.

Carers Drop-In. Carers are welcome to come in for a cuppa and a chat on Thursdays from 10.30am – 12pm. We will be holding a series of themed drop-ins in 2012 – for more information contact Janet Sullivan on 0151 707 8582.

t: 0151 707 8582 e: contact@mencapliverpool.org.uk w: www.mencapliverpool.org.uk