Our Aims
Oxford Mencap provides
support and recreational activities for children and adults with learning
difficulties in the Oxford area.To
meet these aims, we provide several social
groups and activities
But in order to provide these services, we need help from the community. If you would like to get involved with the committee, or are interested in volunteering, or could help out with fund-raising, we would love to hear from you.
Can I take part?
Oxford Mencap provides services to people with learning difficulties in the Oxford Area. These activities are designed to be fun and social and to provide opportunities that are not available elsewhere. You will have the chance to meet new friends and get away from home and take part in a whole range of fun games and activities. If you would like to take part in any of Oxford Mencap's activities, or you think your child would benefit from being involved, please get in touch. Please be aware that places on some schemes are limited, and unfortunately we cannot help everyone that we would like to.
Our History
Oxford Mencap was founded in 1961 by parents of children suffering from a wide range of 'mental handicaps', who were described as backward, retarded, uneducable and many other negative descriptions. Learning disability is the most common form of disability in Britain affecting around 1.2 million people. The extent of learning disability varies from mild to profound. There are around 200,000 adults in the UK with severe disabilities and about 50,000 children. Oxford Mencap parents came together to support one another in their struggle to care for their handicapped children and to fight for recognition and services to help them continue to care.
Oxford Mencap takes the positive approach. We believe that, without exception, all people with a learning disability have the same interests, aspirations and emotions as other people, and have the potential to live a fuller quality of life. The Society is here to help make that happen for as many people as possible in and around Oxford.
This page was last updated in February 2008