Disability charity receives £5k boost

Sunday 06 September 2020

A local disability charity has received a £5,000 boost to help it continue supporting adults and children with learning difficulties with artsy and outdoor sessions.

Investec Bank's donation will allow Mencap to run 10 summer alfresco art sessions, twenty Pond Project sessions and three supported social sessions, as well as all supplies needed for these projects and services.

The activities are part of a range of opportunities offered by Mencap to help islanders of various ages and ability levels to feel included.

Despite covid, these projects are still running but have had to be adapted to comply with new regulations. However, various fundraising events have had to be cancelled which has impacted on their hopes for the year - making donations even more important.

The Investec team formed a new relationship with Mencap Jersey last year, introducing a new three-year volunteering partnership. This involved each member of the Investec team exchanging their computer two days a year in return for wellies, gloves and stationary. 

Pictured: The Investec team volunteering at Jersey Mencap's Pond Project.

Mencap Manager Alex Wiles said: "We are very proud of the CSR partnership with Investec. Getting to know the team has been a great way to raise awareness of learning disability and our members have enjoyed welcoming them to our projects. What's more, this financial support has helped to fund our much-needed activities for adults with a learning disability. With our buzzing social club, art project and horticultural sessions to fund, this really does make a difference."

Investec CEO Brendon Stewart added: "Last year our entire team chose to support Jersey Mencap with the volunteering partnership. We are now proud to also offer this donation to ensure they can continue providing their important services while we all face the challenges of covid-19."