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History.of Harpenden Mencap
1959
Eight local parents of children with a mental handicap (learning disability) met, at the instigation of Judy Fryd, to
discuss forming the Society for Mentally Handicapped Children. On 18 March 1959 the Society was inaugurated with twenty members
and funds of £30. Fundraising began, followed by organised activities such as outings, parties and the playgroup. These continued
successfully, but the committee had a vision of establishing their own centre to provide day care and emergency relief.
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| Stairways |
1980
This vision was eventually realised when Stairways was opened by Lord Renton, to provide short-term care for
ten children at a time.
1986
The Society recognised that there was a very real need for long-term care accommodation for adults with a wide range
of disabilities. Once again members began the onerous task of raising funds to convert and extend the original house.
1991
Early in the year the new short stay unit had reduced to six beds.
Eight people had gradually moved into their new homes.
The Society successfully applied to St Albans District Council to rent a flat in Southdown. This allowed two people to
live more independently.
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| Roundabout Shop when it was first opened |
1998
To support its fundraising efforts, the Society opened its Charity Shop, Roundabout.
Occupation Opportunities was introduced to provide support to people with learning disabilities to:
- learn the skills required to help in the shop;
- provide a shopping service to elderly / housebound people.
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Structure of Harpenden Mencap
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BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Executive Committee
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General Committee
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Britannia Club
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Communications
— publicity
— public relations
— newsletter
— campaigns
— Royal Mencap
— Gateway
— other Societies
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Equal Opportunities
Statement of Intent
Harpenden Mencap is committed to developing equal opportunities in all aspects of work and to ensuring that no section
of its membership, volunteers, employees or service users is subject to discrimination or harassment based on disability,
race, sex or other ground.
Services of Harpenden Mencap
The Society will develop policies and procedures to ensure that no other individual or group is subject to discrimination
in the services it provides. It will also undertake the training of employees and volunteers and provide advice to members
so that they may understand the relevance of this commitment to their work. Wherever possible, the Society will involve service
users in the development of its equal opportunities initiative.
Employees, Volunteers and Members of Harpenden Mencap
The Society’s personnel procedures will be kept under review to ensure that employees are recruited, promoted and
at all times treated on the basis of their relative merits and abilities. All employees, volunteers and members are expected
to comply with the Society’s equal opportunities aims and advance them at all times.
Harassment
All forms of harassment of individuals or particular groups are unacceptable to Harpenden Mencap. Any such incidents
of harassment by employees, service users, members or volunteers will be dealt with by the Society’s disciplinary or
complaints procedures.
Review of Commitment
The Society will regularly monitor and review its commitment to equal opportunities.
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