Our History
1968
Charity established
Manx Mencap Ltd. was established in 1968 to provide for, the relief of people with a learning disability, by the provision of help and support for them and their families, dependents and carers. To provide or assist in the provision of facilities for the recreation or other leisure time occupation for people with learning disabilities.
1983
Funded and built Radcliffe Villas Respite Centre
Radcliffe Villas (Hollydene & Appledene) is the only facility on the island that provides overnight respite care for adults with a learning disability, funded and built by Manx Mencap based on the needs of parents and caregivers. The facility has expanded via several extensions during its operations, all of which were Manx Mencap funded projects. The facility is now owned and managed by the DHSC.
1990s
Norman Wisdom President
Sir Norman Wisdom OBE was President of Manx Mencap for more than 15 years.
2000
Co-founded Project 21
Project 21 was established by 5 charities (Manx Mencap, Down’s Syndrome IOM, Autism in Mann, Manx Gateway Club, Special Olympics IOM) with a collective vision to work together on and exciting and ambitious project to build a new Centre for people with learning disabilities. Manx Menap fundraised and contributed £600,000 towards this.
2007
Centre 21 - Recreation Centre built by 5 Manx charities
Centre 21 was established as a community hub for people with learning disabilities. The building is used regularly by all 5 charities, and the Sports Hall and Activity Room are also rented out to community groups throughout the year.
2007
Funded Speech & Language Therapy Service
Manx Mencap funded a Speech & Language Therapist to support adults with learning disabilities over a 3-year period, also provided administrative support for the service. In doing so, it was proved to Government that such a service was necessary, leading to them ultimately taking over the service in 2010.
2009-
2023
Funded annual Sound & Light Therapy
Manx Mencap began providing funding to assist with the Sound Learning Outreach Programme whereby sound and light therapy is administered by visiting specialists from The Soung Learning Centre in London. This therapy is thought to be of great to many people. Mencap funding covered the travel expenses of visiting specialists, their accommodation while on the island, and the treatment costs for 10 individuals (in the region of £20,000).
2010
Funded Disability Sports Development Officer
This role was initially created and funded by Manx Mencap to provide access to fully inclusive sport and recreation opportunities to improve individual’s quality of life and social well-being. This adult-focused role was taken over by Manx Sport & Recreations (MSR) and now sits alongside the Disability & Activities Coordinator role, which encourages school-age children to try new sports.
2011
Funded Adult Day Services Supported Employment Scheme
Manx Mencap pledged £30,000 for 12 months in partnership with Day Services to employ 2 part-time support workers to assist with finding jobs and offering support to those in employment with a learning disability. This Service was such a great success that government now support this programme.
2016-
2019
Funded Learning Disability Liaison Nurse - Adults
Manx Mencap created and funded this essential role. Once the need was proven, the role was taken over by Government.
2023
Spearheaded annual Learning Disability Week campaign
In parallel with Mencap UK, we run an annual campaign to highlight Learning Disability Week.
2023
Recipients of Manx Lottery Trust thematic funding scheme
We received a generous £76,000 award from The Manx Lottery Trust to fund 2 years of programming for school-age children with learning disabilities during school breaks and year-round.
2023
Finalist in Media IOM Awards for Excellence
We were selected as a finalist in The Community Initiative of the Year category for our work with Autism in Mann in launching a holiday activity scheme for school-age children and young adults with learning disabilities and/or autism.
2024
Chosen charity for Expedition Limitless 2024
Team Expedition Limitless 2024 selected Manx Mencap as their charity of choice for their 750km canoe expedition down the remote & mighty Yukon River! We were delighted to accept a cheque for the grand total of £111,054 for their year-long efforts and commitment to our charity!
2024
Won Charity of the Year 2024 at The Heroes of Mann Awards 2024
We were nominated for the Charity of the Year category and won!
