LEARNING DISABILITY CHARITY AWARDED FUNDING TO EXTEND SUMMER HOLIDAY ACTIVITY SCHEME

Manx Lottery Trust has awarded a grant of £76,000 to Manx Mencap, a leading charity dedicated to improving opportunities for the learning disability community in the Isle of Man.

The grant will enable Manx Mencap to continue its highly successful 2023 Summer Holiday Activity Scheme which was launched in conjunction with local autism charity, Autism for Mann. The Scheme, aimed at 4-17 year old's who have learning disabilities and/or autism and social communications challenges, included a range of activities such as arts and crafts, sailing, Lego club, swimming and animal therapy.

Building upon this success, Manx Mencap plans to extend the Scheme to all school holidays, with the addition of several new activities including weekly sessions at the indoor playground Dragon’s Castle, swimming, dancing, and gym classes.

Funding will also be used to cover the salary of a new staff member dedicated to organising and promoting the Scheme year-round, and the hiring of a responsible adult who will provide assistance to children and young adults with learning disabilities in mainstream environments.

Kelly Quaye at Manx Mencap said: ‘This grant will allow us to expand our offerings beyond the summer season, ensuring that young people with learning disabilities have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities throughout the year. Our mission is to promote inclusivity and provide choice,  enabling our participants to thrive.’

‘We are tremendously grateful to Manx Lottery Trust for supporting this project, which will have a significant and positive impact on the Island’s learning disability community.’

Stephen Turner, Chairman of Manx Lottery Trust, added: ‘Manx Mencap's Summer Holiday Activity Scheme has proven to be a vital resource for children and young adults with learning disabilities, and/or autism, and social communication needs. The Trust is therefore delighted to support their efforts as they look to expand their programme of activities across the year.’

To find out more about Manx Mencap and the charity’s year-round Activity Scheme, visit their Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/mencapiom/

This grant is from Manx Lottery Trust’s 2023 Community Awards Thematic Fund, ‘Empowering Young People’. Manx Lottery Trust has been delegated to distribute National Lottery money from The National Lottery Community Fund. To find out more, visit: www.mlt.org.im