Our Story

Sheffield Mencap and Gateway was formed in 1951 by the parents of children with learning disabilities. Whilst we share our name with the national Mencap charity, we are a completely separate and independent organisation, dedicated to supporting the local learning disability community in Sheffield.

Our vision is that “all people with a learning disability and their carers in Sheffield are valued, included and respected so they can live fair, full and happy lives”.

We are proud to be a values led organisation, and all of our services are built upon the following core values:

Community
We support people to become active members of their community.

Independence
We provide choice and opportunities to build skills for life.

Wellbeing
We promote better physical, mental and emotional health.

Confidence
We encourage people to believe in themselves and recognise their potential.

Relationships
We encourage people to believe in themselves and recognise their potential.

We pride ourselves on providing the lifelong support needed by the learning disability community and building long-term relationships with families. We have over 700 members from across Sheffield currently accessing our services, from inclusive baby groups through to 1-2-1 support for elderly carers. Our members needs are at the heart of our services, and we employ ‘Community Connectors’ from the learning disability community to facilitate consultation and co-production.

Through our work, we endeavour to reduce inequalites, change perceptions and ensure the learning disability community is a visible and valuable part of Sheffield.

Our core service is the Activity Learning Hub (ALH), offering adults with a learning disability 5 groups every day including Digital Media, Community, Creative Writing, Gardening and running our in-house café ‘Mencafe’. Many groups give members the option to complete AQA accredited awards. ALH supports members to pursue their interests and acquire new skills. Members choose their own groups and develop projects according to individual preferences and goals. ALH partners with local organisations to bring new opportunities and experiences to our members. For example, we partner with Sheffield Theatres on the annual ‘Launchpad’ project to create and perform a show at The Crucible.

“Every week we do something new. I have one good ear so listening is important for me. I have improved in my listening skills and following instructions”. ALH member Pam.

“Meeting different people and mixing with them has helped my confidence. Doing cooking has helped my confidence too. I am able to cook better at home with my support worker”. ALH member Blossom.

Health services are a significant and expanding area of our provision. Our ‘Health Support Service’ partners with GP surgeries to support people with a learning disability and/or autism to book and attend vital healthcare appointments including Annual Health Checks and vaccinations. We provide training on working with people with learning disabilities and/or autism and support professionals to update policies and practice.

We offer a range of services that meet the unique needs of carers for people with a learning disability and/or autism. Our Carers Advice Worker provides 1-2-1 practical and emotional support for carers, alongside workshops on common areas of concern such as ‘Planning for the Future’.

Our Natonal Lottery funded ‘Caring for Carers’ service establishes peer-support and wellbeing groups in communties around Sheffield. Groups are designed to encourage connections between carers, with therapeutic activities (such as crafts, massage and yoga) in local, welcoming places. Caring for Carers balances the isolation and exhaustion that can arise from the demands of the caring role.

Carer of T wrote: “I definitely feel I have a support network here. We haven’t really had support from anywhere else and have been battling school to get the right education for our son, but the support we’ve got here has been really helpful with that”.

Our groups for children aged up to 17 allow young people with learning disabilities and/or autism to enjoy the same social opportunitis as their able peers. Groups including fitness, performing arts and a youth club support children to develop their social skills, independence and communication, as well as having fun!

“When my son started attending he was struggling to interact with other children. The staff took him under their wing and have adapted the service to meet his and other children’s individual needs. They are so accepting of all needs and work with a non-judgemental approach”. Parent/carer

We offer a range of evening and weekend groups for adults, including football, snooker and ‘Gateway’ social clubs. Our community based ‘Out and About’ groups support members to enjoy social activities across Sheffield, building independence and encouraging integration. Groups include bowling, meals out and walking in the Peak District.

We are governed and managed by a board of trustees and a senior management team. You can find out more about the people who run our charity here.

Sheffield Mencap & Gateway is a registered Charity (1056155). You can find our latest audited accounts on the Charity Commission website. To look at our most recent Annual Report, please click on the links below.

2018/19 Annual Report
2019/20 Annual Report
2020/21 Annual Report
2021/22 Annual Report
2022/23 Annual Report