K&DMS is a completely self-funded local charity based in Keynsham providing social opportunities in the form of clubs.  Clubs offer people with additional social, emotional and educational needs a place for fun and friendship. 9 weekly clubs welcome people aged 5-75 affected by a range of issues such as Down’s & Williams Syndromes, Cerebral Palsy, and neurodivergence such as ASD/ADHD.  Some members have physical disabilities and more complex needs.  Members travel from 3 local authorities, Bristol, BANES and South Glos., Yate, Nailsea, Bath &Bristol.

 

Our members have social opportunities, are involved in their community, meet people and develop friendships like anyone else.  Children and adults with a learning disability tend to have smaller social networks and relationships which are not as strong as those without.  Our members take part in social activities, meeting with friends in a supported environment. Activities are tailored to helping build self-esteem and grow confidence thus furnishing our members with essential skills required to enable them to become more self-sufficient and work with the challenges they face. The pandemic taught many of us that being alone long-term isn’t good for our mental or physical health and wellbeing.  We provide a social life.

 

Clubs, including a music and performance club, have a varied programme of confidence-boosting activities, taking into account individual care plans. Activities include 2 x sports and fitness, music, social groups, cooking and craft, outings to a local restaurants, or the theatre. Everything we do is fully inclusive and is supported by our team of over 100 volunteers, all of whom are trained and checked. 

More than 50% of families who have a person with a learning disability within them live below the poverty line and we see this in our membership. We offer a service which would be inaccessible to most due to lack of personal funds, so subsidise our services through grants and other fundraising from generous benefactors, foundations and charitable trusts.

 

During the summer months we run several holidays and short breaks for our members, taking them away from their usual carers, or parents. The holidays offer members opportunities to widen horizons. The impact on our members is wonderful to see They return exhausted but more self-confident and enthusiastic. While they are having a wonderful time, parents and carers get a respite break.  

We want to be part of a community where people with a learning disability are valued equally, listened to and included. Our challenge, alongside people with a learning disability and their families, is to make this a reality. Right now, our members face inequalities in every area of life. 

Of course, our clubs require funding.  We need to raise over £160k a year to continue running. Currently, Fundraiser Clare does this through grant applications, the support of local businesses, community, fundraising events and membership fees. We are constantly looking for new avenues of support as we are always looking to improve our offering and give our members more opportunities, community and quality of life. 

 

We rent halls to run our clubs.  Prices have increased so much in the last year.  We are saving for a home for Keynsham Mencap and have restricted funds set aside for this. This is HUGE for us and would amplify our impact enormously.  We’d love your help if you have connections who could support us find a #HomeForKeynshamMencap.