Partner Article

Barclays Yorkshire and North East Charity of the Year raise an amazing £32,500

Barclays Yorkshire and the North East Charity of the Year raise an amazing £32,500

Leeds Mencap are absolutely delighted with the result of their 2016 partnership with the Barclays Yorkshire and the North East Region who have raised a brilliant £32,500 to support very young children with learning disabilities across Leeds in their specialist Hawthorn playroom. Cath Lee, CEO of Leeds Mencap said ; “We have worked closely with Barclays over many years but 2016 was fantastic as Barclays staff across all parts of the business threw themselves enthusiastically into raising money for us. They had a corporate golf day, worked up a sweat with a ‘rowathon’, organised a sporting dinner at Headingley and put on a private showing of the BFG for our service users. Some lovely volunteers also got green fingered and did some hedge trimming and gardening. They were amazing.” Dawn Spencer, Barclays Business Manager said; “Barclays have supported Leeds Mencap for years but last year we reached a whole new level! The whole business got involved and really got behind Leeds Mencap and the fantastic work that they are doing at the Vinery Centre. We wanted to support Leeds Mencap’s Hawthorn Specialist Playroom as it is critical that very young children with learning disabilities get early intervention when they most need it. It was great to have the cinema showing for some of Leeds Mencap’s families as it is sometimes difficult for them to go to the cinema together as a family.” People with a learning disability find it harder than others to learn, understand and communicate. Leeds Mencap offers support to people with very different needs and aspirations in order to help ensure that they live a fulfilling life and achieve their goals. To continue to provide these valuable services, Leeds Mencap are on the lookout for more corporate partners who would like to make the most of the teambuilding and engagement opportunities that working with a charity presents. If you would like to help Leeds Mencap to help others, either as a corporate or an individual then please contact Sarah Hooker on sarah.hooker@leedsmencap.org.uk or call 0113 2351331.

-ENDS-

About Leeds Mencap: Leeds Mencap is a completely independent charity that was created by and for, people in Leeds with learning disabilities. We provide essential support, advice and care to children and adults with learning disabilities, along with their families and carers. We do this through a range of activities including; the Hawthorn Family Support Centre for families with very young children with special needs, social groups for children and young adults, sibling support, Me2 – an inclusive dance project for young people, school holiday play schemes, parent and carer support groups and the Rookery residential home. We make a difference because we work with families at any point along their journey, not only improving the life experience of the person with a learning disability but recognising the impact on the whole family and providing support, guidance and practical help.

About Barclays: Barclays is a British multinational banking and financial services company headquartered in London. It is a universal bank with operations in retail, wholesale and investment banking, as well as wealth management, mortgage lending and credit cards. It has operations in over 50 countries and territories and has around 48 million customers. For more information, visit www.barclays.com

Photos for use:

1. Barclays team and Chair of Leeds Mencap, Martin Staniforth with the cheque in the Hawthorn Specialist Playroom. 2. Barclays and Leeds Mencap cake.

For more information and photographs please contact:

Sarah Hooker, Leeds Mencap, on 0113 2351331 or sarah.hooker@leedsmencap.org.uk

Leeds Mencap. Registered Charity No. 1091809

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