Leighton Buzzard Mencap - <>

Affiliated to Royal Mencap and run entirely by volunteers, we run a variety of groups and holiday clubs for children and adults with learning disabilities.

Leighton Buzzard Mencap works to improve the lives and opportunities of children and adults with learning disabilities and their families. Our vision is a world where people with a learning disability are valued equally, listened to and included. We want everyone to have the opportunity to achieve the things they want out of life. People with a learning disability find it harder than others to learn, understand and communicate, but like all of us they want different things out of life and need different levels of support to achieve those goals. Leighton Buzzard Mencap works to ensure that people with a learning disability have the opportunity to live the life that they choose. Although affiliated to Royal Mencap, we are completely independently run and funded.

We aim to provide that support, advice and practical help through a variety of services. Leighton Buzzard Mencap is a source of support for the whole family, long-term.

We have lots of services and lots of ways that you can get involved with us. Just get in touch to find out more - we'd love to hear from you!

Our current operation includes:

Opportunity Group

A playgroup for children under five, Opportunity Group provides a welcoming, secure and stimulating environment with a support system for parents/carers. There is a high ratio of adults to children. The group meets on two mornings a week during term-time at Leighton Buzzard Health Centre on Bassett Road. We provide a variety of activities, and a safe place for adults to talk with people who understand the world they are coming to terms with. Parents in similar situations can and do give each other invaluable support.

High 5s

A youth club for members aged 8 to 16. High 5s meet once a week during term- time ~ parents and siblings are welcome to come and join in too. Additional fun events are arranged, like our popular summer BBQ. We have also associated with the Sports Partnership who attend regularly to help Hi 5's to play a variety of sports.

18-30 Club

This group meets once a fortnight at Stanbridge and Tilsworth Community Hall and aims to give members preparation for independent living.

Holiday Club

This is an immensely popular club for 8 to 18 year olds supervised by experienced leaders.

The scheme provides an action packed club for approximately 35 children; invaluable experience for student volunteers; a well deserved break for parents; the opportunity to share fun activities with other children. The club is based at Leighton Middle School with many activities both in-house and further afield. Typically these include music, drama and craft to encourage expression and creative ability, with swimming, sailing, rock climbing, ice-skating and skiing for stimulating and adventurous experiences. This contributes to increased confidence whilst providing much fun. Sixth form student volunteers come from local schools; the scheme is reliant on their goodwill, energy and enthusiasm, building relationships with the children and creating such a successful atmosphere.