Why it was needed

We felt that it was important for this special event to go ahead so that all the residents at the Mencap home we volunteer at could be involved in the work we do. On particular resident was being excluded from this as he did not wish to come out in the evenings because he was afraid of the dark. Therefore, knowing he was a massive Leicester City fan we thought that taking him to a match during the day time would be a positive experience for him.

What's being done

Twice a week a group of volunteers from Loughborough University take some of the residents from a local Mencap home to the pub for an hour or so. We feel this is a very worth while project as it gives the residents something to lok forward to and a certain amount of independance. To expand the project this year we have also tried to hold special events in order to vary what we do. These have included trips to the local pantomime, going to see the xmas lights being turned on and holding a Halloween party. With the financial support from Junction 49 we were also able to take two of the residents to watch a Leicester City football match. This was particularly special as one of the residents is a massive Leicester City fan and it was great to include an activity which really catered for his interests.

How it started

The project has been running through Loughborough Action Volunteers for a few years now and with their continued support as well as that of the home and the hardworking volunteers we recruit the project has grown from strength to strength.

More

Junction 49 has been a great way to fund those extra special volunteering projects and I would encourage as many people as possible to GET INVOLVED!!