Introduction

 

 

Who We Are

 

The Society is a local charity (Registered Number 233483), affiliated to Royal Mencap Society, providing help, advice and services to people with learning disabilities, their families and carers.

 

 

What Learning Disability Means

 

The Mencap definition is: “a lifelong condition, acquired before or soon after birth, that limits intellectual capacity”.

 

 

Our Vision

 

The Society is working towards the reality of an inclusive society. We believe that all people with a learning disability should be able to make the most of their lives through self-fulfilment and independence. Where there are special needs, these needs and those of their families are met and they have the same opportunities as every other section of the community.

 

For people with a learning disability, and their families and carers, living within the local area, The Society aims to raise awareness, be a primary source of information, and provide good quality services.

 

 

How We Are Governed

 

The Society has an Executive Committee (Board of Trustees) elected annually at the Annual General Meeting. Current membership comprises:

 

Chair:                             Mylan Curtis
Treasurer:                     Bryan Dickson

Members:                     Roger Gibson

                                      Lyn Webb

                                      Alison Sparks

                                      Alan Kember

How We Are Staffed

 

The work force comprises full-time and part-time staff, volunteers and sessional workers. The permanent staff are:

 

Manager:                                Jeff Smith (25 hours)

Family Adviser (Tonbridge): Estelle Fleming (37 hours)

Family Adviser (Dartford):     Julie Hunt (27 hours)

Leisure Co-ordinator:            Sarah Sharpe (37 hours)

Leisure Enabler:                    Ceri Parry (12 hours)

Administrator:                         Susan Robinson (18 hours)

 

 

Funding

 

The Society is funded in several ways and from several sources. Current or recent contributors are as follows (with links to their Web Sites where these are available for you to read about them):

 

 

Annual Grants

 

Kent County Council - click on "CARING" to access Adults or Children, Young People & Their & Families (all services)

 

Parents Consortium (Family Adviser - Hextable)

 

BBC Children in Need (Leisure Services - 3 years from August 2002)

 

 

Donations

 

2003 - Henry Smith’s Charity (Golden Flag)

2003 - Tunbridge Wells Winemakers’ Circle (18+ Club)

2003 - Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (Saturday Club)

2003 - Royal Mencap Society’s Challenge Fund (Golden Flag)

2004 - Woodlands School & Bedgebury School - Spellathon (all services)

2004 - Nic Curtis - London Marathon (Fun Club)

Annual Fund Raising

 

Pat Banes and Rosemary Blanchard - sale of Webb Ivory gifts and cards (all services)