Partner Article

Special day at Rhinos for Leeds Mencap Supporter

~~ Extra special day at Leeds Rhino for supporter of Leeds Mencap Sunday January the 25th will be an extra special day for Lauren Buckle as she steps out onto the pitch as a mascot for Jamie Peacock’s testimonial game. Arch-rivals, Bradford Bulls will be visiting Headingley Carnegie to take on Leeds Rhinos.

Lauren Buckle, from Rodley who is 13 absolutely loves the Leeds Rhinos and has been a season ticket holder for three years.

Ann-Marie Buckle, Lauren’s mum said: ‘This is a fantastic opportunity for Lauren and we are very excited. Lauren adores coming to see the Rhinos and loves the band, the music and the singing. We have got to know everyone who sits near us and every time the Rhinos score, all the people around us give Lauren a high five!’ Lauren, who has autism and learning difficulties attends the Tuesday Youth Club at Leeds Mencap every week . Danny McGuire is also an ambassador and supporter of Leeds Mencap. Ann-Marie Buckle said: ‘The Tuesday youth club at Leeds Mencap is brilliant for Lauren and we have been going to Leeds Mencap since Lauren was 9. The work they do is amazing.’ The Tuesday Youth Club is for children with learning disabilities aged 9-13 and enables them to have fun, make friends and enjoy activities in a safe environment. Leeds Mencap works with over 300 families and individuals throughout Leeds each week and supports children and adults with a learning disability. To find out more about Leeds Mencap or to get involved, call us on 0113 2351331 or visit www.leedsmencap.org.uk.

*********************************************************************************************** About Leeds Mencap:

Leeds Mencap is a local and independent charity that provides support for children and adults with a learning disability, along with their families and carers. It has been running since 1953.

Although Leeds Mencap is affiliated with National Mencap, the charity is an independently-run charity and has to secure all its own funding.

Leeds Mencap aims to provide support, advice and practical help to the whole family, long term and do this through a variety of services, including Youth Clubs, Me2 – an inclusive dance project for young people, School Holiday Play Schemes, a Parent/Carer Support Project with various support groups, Sibling Support, the Rookery residential home and the Hawthorn Family Support Centre for families with very young children with a learning disability and much more.

About Learning Disabilities:

A learning disability is caused by the way the brain develops but the causes can vary. Most develop before a baby is born, during birth or because of a serious illness in early childhood. However, sometimes the cause of learning disabilities can’t be found. People who have learning disabilities may find it harder to learn new skills, understand information or to interact with other people. A learning disability is ever-present and usually has a significant impact on a person’s life.

Leeds Mencap recognises that there are many types of learning disabilities. A learning disability can be mild, moderate or severe and some people with a learning disability may also have other physical and emotional conditions.

There are an estimated 15,000 people in Leeds with learning disabilities.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Catherine Storey .