ANNUAL REPORT 2008

INTO THE FUTURE - a vision for 2018

Julian Hillman executive director

In this report we are looking to see not only what we have achieved in 2008, but also what we hope to achieve by 2018.

Join us now as we consider some of our thoughts and some of our clients’ thoughts for the future. Our job will be to

rationalise those thoughts, hopes and wishes and together create a dynamic enterprise that provides our clients with the

help and support they need, within the constraints of this ever changing world in which we live.

The Enterprise Lodge project continues to develop and we’re looking forward to running a busy community

centre, helping the diverse population of Ealing.

We have worked hard this past year to support Ealing Voluntary Services Council and their work, also

linking directly with other organisations, particularly those concerned with social care and disability.

Ealing Mencap are always thankful for your support, help and generosity, without which,

all this would be a far greater struggle.Julian Hillman

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Berge Kanikanianadministrative assistant

After ten years it’s time for me to say goodbye as I am leaving my job here at the Ealing Mencap office. In the future I want to concentrate on campaigning and national issues which I have already started through my work with Ealing Partners.

I am passionate about the following campaigns and issues:

Mencap’s campaign - Death by Indifference•

Improving health care for people with •

learning disabilitiesRespite and the needs of carers•

Changing Places toilet facilities in Ealing •

What people do during the day, the •

evenings and the weeks

I look forward to meeting you soon on the campaign trail!

Berge Kanikanian

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Patti Vincent advocacy worker

“50 years ago people with learning disabilities did not go to school

which is unthinkable today.

People with physical disabilities are receiving the support they need to parent their children, whereas

people with learning disabilities still have to fight for this. Many babies

are removed to foster care FIRST before any meaningful assessments

are undertaken. We need to see justice for parents in the future”

Advocacy

Patti Vincent

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“To start with I was really worried about Jessica being taken away from me. At the moment I live in a placement scheme but in the future I’m looking forward to looking after Jessica and having a flat of our own.

I would like to have someone I could phone for help if I needed to.”

Sharon and Jessicaclient and baby

Sharon and Jessica

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Murad Vassi client

I am going to start going to Learning Curve to do computer. I will go with

Martin, my travel buddy. I love playing pool, going ice skating and bowling. I

go out with Reza on Thursdays and we sometimes meet with our friends.

Value Life

Murad Vassi

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Omarah Vassi mum

Murad was a tiny premature baby and the doctors did not think he would survive. He is my miracle. My hope is that he will be able to live independently and with the continued support of Reza from Value Life he is learning the skills that will help him to do this.

Reza Panesh support worker

I encourage Murad to make choices, whether it’s what we eat, what we do or who we meet. I encourage him to be sociable and confident. He is learning constantly and that is what we must realise in our work, that the learning never stops. Omarah Vassi

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Value LifeMeet Nick Amarteifio, on the left and his

brother Theo on the right. Nick looks after Theo and also their mother who is crippled

with arthritis. She recently contracted an MRSA infection in hospital and is also

showing early signs of dementia.

Theo is often very unpredictable and can be difficult to control at times, he also self

harms and has very limited communication.Nick wants to find residential care for Theo

but this is not easy due to his brother’s complex needs.

Steve Penfold is working with Theo by taking him out and about, encouraging him

to make choices, getting used to public transport and also eating out. These skills

will help Theo when he finds the home he deserves.Nick Amarteifio

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Alison Murphy team leader

Home Based Respite is evolving and we have now changed our name to Value Life.

Our work involves giving people opportunities to experience life. The way services are to be provided will change and in the future we hope that we will be able to encourage and support families to think ‘person-centred’.

We will help service users and carers seek a package of care that will offer a decent quality of life and allows carers to value their life too!Exciting times lie ahead and we’re looking forward to the challenges, obstacles and joy along the way!

Theo Amarteifio

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Asian advocacyPage 10

Cookery ClassMrs Dhaliwal, Fatima Akhtar (Advocacy worker), Mrs Chatha, Mrs Chahal and Mrs Johal

A group of carers enjoy a healthy eating cookery class with renowned chef, Kalwant Sahota (not in picture). Here the ladies are starting to make a nutritious pizza.

Fatima has concerns for the future. “After college for many young people there is nothing to do. Families are worried about going out of Southall because of travel and language problems. Long before 2018 we need a range of good local services.”

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3Cs CounsellingOne of the hardest aspects of having

a child with a disability can be the very conflicting feelings you might

experience. On the one hand you love your child and want the best

for them and on the other is a sense of grief and loss for the person your

child is possibly never going to be and whom you imagined before the birth.

It can feel desperately painful and it is easy to imagine that others are coping

with it all so much better than you. It can also feel very uncomfortable to be open about these feelings as perhaps

you may be worried that if you voice them, other people won’t fully

understand and might misjudge you.Lesley Beck

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Having a child with special needs can be a very different kind of parenting experience. You can feel yourself being more of a carer on a never ending round of appointments and therapies. It can be hard to just feel like a family.

At times like this it can be very helpful to use counselling as a safe and non judgemental space in which to release some of these feelings, explore the issues and perhaps gain different perspectives and a greater sense of choice around how you and your family might live together.

Our contact details can be found at the end of this report.

Linda Shampan

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SupercareNick Walsh

project manager

Supercare has grown a lot over the past year two years and we are proud of what we have achieved.

This does not mean that we want to rest on our laurels. Our vision for the future is to provide a

safe and interactive learning service for people to develop skills that they can use to move forward in

achieving their goals.

We also hope we will move to bigger premises with access for people with physical disabilities as this is something we are unable to provide at the

moment. There will also be many new subjects introduced to making the trainee’s day diverse,

interesting and fun.Nick Walsh

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Prakash Tailor and Steven Ogden would both love to get paid to be ground keepers at Enterprise Lodge in the future. Failing that Prakash would love to get a job in the Supercare offices providing administrative support. They are also both looking forward to developing the allotment at the Lodge and growing lots of lovely food to maybe sell!

Steven lives independently and this is something Prakash may look to aspire to, although was a little worried that he may not get his mother’s homemade Indian food if he moved! Steven would also like to start learning how to cook meals himself.

Both the guys are looking forward to Supercare growing and getting bigger training facilities.

Prakash Tailor and Steven Ogden

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Gabriel Jonestransitions/connexions manager

Let’s hear from two of our clients and how they see their futures.

Neil, currently at Hammersmith College said “At residential college I liked the space,

it’s open. I liked having the support to do ordinary things, like buying a train ticket,

doing my own shopping and cooking.”

After attending this specialist college, he’s now at a mainstream college. “Enrolling

at ordinary college was really stressful. There were so many things to bring and to remember.” But he was able to reflect that

Transition

Gabriel Jones

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he had stuck at it, and managed to enrol, and that he is really enjoying the course. In the future “I want to become a chef and cook people food in a restaurant.”

And another thing: “I’d like a BMW!”

Randa reflected that a few years ago, she would have said she just wanted a place of her own. But with support from Julie her Mencap Connexions PA, she applied for housing and is now living in a flat, her next ambition is to build on her work in a nursery. “I’d like to teach little children and I’d like to learn to drive.”

Step by step, her horizons are growing.

As for our future, we see ourselves supporting people to make choices from a range of options, helping them to make individual plans, where they could access a range of activities and support, and find meaningful occupation. Ideally, we’d like a society where we no longer need to

have a specialist service for those not in employment education or training, (NEET), because there would be something for everyone, and paid work would be a reality for the majority of young people. We look forward to there being a specialised therapeutic college facility in West London for people with complex needs, so that people are not having to trek across London to find an appropriate course to meet their needs. Then we’d be one step closer to helping people bridge that gap to an ordinary life….

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Travel training

Tony Campbell, travel buddy, with Kevin Jordan

Jen Moseleytravel training manager

Our travel trainers have been working with CREW to create

a training programme for Year 9 children at Belvue.

At the first stage they learn to:

Keep eye contact•Not greet the feet•Say what you see•

Tell it like it is•Using this method it is quickly

apparent that the children enjoy this way of learning, especially the role

play and the competitive aspect. This

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Helen during role play at the training programme

work is crucial for the future independence and safety of our children allowing them a more varied and enjoyable life.

As our work progresses we pair travel buddies with people that need help with the view to enabling independent travel for all of those that could benefit.

Tony, pictured on the left with Kevin, helped us at Belvue. He took part in the training and worked with the children. This approach enables us to involve our more able clients in helping those less able acquire necessary skills.

We look forward to helping more people with learning difficulties to participate more fully in everything life has to offer by giving them the means to access this in a safe and confident manner.

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Ealing PartnersEaling PartnersPage 20

Ealing PartnersOur AGM was held during Learning Disability Week and the new Partners’ Power Group were elected.

We have been campaigning for more Changing Places toilets and we are hoping that Ealing Hospital is going to build one. We would like to see some in the town centre that people can easily use.

We have also been campaigning for more jobs in Ealing for people with learning disabilities.

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The future’s bright?Page 22

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Enterprise Lodge

Franklyn Nevard

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What’s happening?Whilst these guys at Thursday Club are waiting for the new Lodge to be built, work on the project continues. The architect, Franklyn Nevard (opposite) is researching applications of green technology and low energy solutions for the building. There are a wealth of ideas and suggestions for the development of the project and we are looking towards applying for planning approval before the end of the year.

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Mick Davis - Manager | Corri Skeete | Tony Bolster | Stan Wozniak| Daniel Johnson | Moz Marra | Lucy Wilson Phillip Cohen | Barry Lee | Chris Walker | Dominic Keal

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They’re Football CrazyThe football team had an excellent season last year, winning the prestigious Regents Park Tournament and reaching the semi-final in the National Finals at the David Beckham Centre.

The lads would love the opportunity to play against similar teams and also the chance to practice on a proper pitch more often.

Mick Davis, the manager, said that they have all really enjoyed playing together this season and look forward to more challenges this coming year.

Vincent Borag - Goalie

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Who do I talk to?Now you’ve read a little about what we do and feel that you would like to talk to someone in more detail, use this list to help you.A lot of our employees only work part time, so please leave a message if you don’t manage to speak to them straight away.

Administrative ManagerFor all general enquiries

Maureen Schofield0208 567 9185.

Advocacy and InformationPatti Vincent 0208 567 9185

Advocacy for Asian FamiliesFatima Akhtar 07949 506501

Anne Corrigan at Thursday Club

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Colin at Thursday Club

Connexions and TransitionGabriel Jones 0208 567 9185

EalingHELPInformation for families of disabled children

Nick Radclyffewww.ealinghelp.org.ukinfo@ealinghelp.org.uk

Employment Projects & SupercareNick Walsh 0208 222 6588

Empowerment Project &Peer Advocacy Lucy Underdown 0208 280 2264

Gateway Clubs For young people and adults

Daytime 0208 567 9185Evenings 0208 998 3466

Older Carers Project Alka Tripathi 0208 280 2261

Person Centred Planning Matthew Coulam 0208 280 2260

Travel TrainingJennifer Moseley 0208 567 9185

Value LifeAlison Murphy 0208 567 9185

3C’s CounsellingLinda Shampan 07813 095383Lesley Beck07968 871459

Should you be having any problems with accessing or using our services then please call me.

Executive DirectorJulian Hillman07961 160435

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ChairmanGeorge Venus

Trustees (from left to right)Dave Widdowson Vice chairDeborah SilverBrenda Perks Hon. TreasurerRoy WillisBill ElliottKen MunfordDawn LockeAnne WarnerBernice McNaughton (no photo)

Registered Charity No. 1054061

Main Office173a Uxbridge RoadLONDON W7 3TH

020 8567 9185

Acton OfficeActon Business Centre203–5 The ValeLONDON W3 7OS

020 8222 6588

West Ealing OfficeThe Lido Centre63 Mattock LaneLondon W13 9LA

020 8280 2260

Balance sheet

For the year ended 31st March 2008 As at 31st March 2008

Restricted Unrestricted 2008 2007 2008 2007Total Total

£ £ £ £ £ £Incoming resources from generated funds Fixed assetsVoluntary income: Tangible assets 87,062 92,098Grants receivable 1,040,489 1,310 1,041,799 1,060,616 Investments 50,200 54,676 Gateway Clubs 1,009 3,762 4,771 3,968 137,262 146,774Donations and gifts 6,396 17,460 23,856 25,514

Current assetsActivities for generating funds: Debtors due within one year 122,561 69,014Commission – Mencap Limited

- 594 594 1,012 Cash at bank and in hand 244,158 264,595

General fund-raising - 1,904 1,904 1,417 Creditors (amounts falling due within one year) (27,454) (29,454)

Investment income 5,570 3,992 9,562 8,028 Net current assets 339,265 304,155

Total incoming resources 1,053,464 29,022 1,082,486 1,100,555Net assets 476,527 450,929

Resources ExpendedDirect Charitable Expenditure: FundsCost of generating funds - 399 399 341

Charitable activities 956,929 30,639 987,568 1,050,813 Restricted funds Enterprise Lodge Development Fund 144,395 155,879

Governance costs 10,195 - 10,195 10,531 Other 314,240 273,201Total restricted funds 458,635 429,080

Other resources expended 52,309 1,941 54,250 57,855 Unrestricted funds 17,892 21,849

Total resources expended 1,019,433 32,979 1,052,412 1,119,540 476,527 450,929

Net incoming resources (resources expended) 34,031 (3,957) 30,074 (18,985)Approved by the Board of Directors and trustees on 17 July 2008

Unrealised gain/(loss) on investment assets (4,476) (4,476) 2,711G A Venus

Net movement in funds 29,555 (3,957) 25,598 (16,274) B M PerksFund balances at 1 April 2007 429,080 21,849 450,929 467,203

Major funding gratefully received from Ealing Council, Ealing PCT, City Bridges Trust, Clothworkers Foundation, Baily Thomas Trust and the BIG Lottery.

Fund balances at 31 March 2008 458,635 17,892 476,526 450,929

Income & Expenditure Account / Statement of Financial ActivitiesPage 30

George VenusChairman

At Ealing Mencap we have always had a firm eye on the future, whilst trying

to ensure that our foundations remain sound. There will be a lot of changes

in the way support is delivered in the next few years and the prospect of

people having more choice and control is exciting, whilst bringing new

challenges. Our mission however remains the same – to deliver the best

possible support to people with learning disabilities and their families.

We have been working closely with National Mencap to understand the best ways

forward. We have also sought, and received, support from Lord Rix and Brian Baldock

with our fundraising activities, for which we are very grateful.

As a carer myself, I have also taken a particular interest in the carers involvement

work we do. I believe that carers generally have too few rights to support and a life

beyond their caring responsibilities and we will continue to campaign for positive

change.

Over the next few years I look forward to seeing the new Lodge built and the

situation for people with learning disabilities improve, especially in terms of

daytime opportunities and what happens after people leave the education system.

Finally my thanks to all the staff and volunteers who work for us. We

have an excellent team, which is why I think we can be optimistic

about meeting the challenges of the next few years.George Venus

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Kerry Ann Brown and Adrian Matthews were

engaged during the Summer, and we would

like to wish them every happiness in their future and hope that we can continue to support them along their way. We

will be able to do this with your continued support and

encouragement. Please get in touch on 020 8567 9185 if you want

to find out more about the work we do and ways in which you can

help.

Annual report designed by Nick Radclyffe