Superb support and amazing opportunities
Our Children’s and Young People’s Services are all about fun, friendship, and freedom. We provide a vibrant, high-energy environment where children and young people can be themselves and try new things in a safe and supportive space.
This service allows parents and carers to enjoy much-needed respite, knowing their loved ones are in expert hands.
We provide support from the age of 4.
We believe that every child and young person deserves the opportunity to explore the world, make friends, and build independence. Our Personal Support services are designed to provide high-quality, person-centred care for children and young people with learning disabilities and autism.
We pride ourselves on creating a safe, inclusive, and fun atmosphere where individuals can thrive, while simultaneously providing families with the vital respite they need to recharge.
Our dedicated team works closely with each young person to understand their interests and goals. Whether it’s building social skills, enjoying a favourite hobby, or exploring the local community, we ensure every session is meaningful.
We know that every child is different, which is why our support is flexible. We meet your child in the setting that best suits their needs and goals:
- In the Mencap Centre or Our Group Settings: Encouraging social interaction and friendship through our specialised group activities and clubs.
- In the Community: Helping young people access local amenities—from visiting a park or library to practicing social skills in public spaces.
- Domiciliary Care (In the Home): We provide registered personal care within the child’s own home. This is often the best environment for building confidence, establishing routines, and developing daily life skills in a familiar setting.
Our services can be accessed directly or through a commissioned place from Leicestershire County Council.
If you have questions about our current availability or how our commissioned places work, we would love to hear from you.
Building Independence, One Adventure at a Time.
Our Saturday Youth Group is a popular service for teenagers and young adults. This group is specifically designed to help young people step out into the community, build social confidence, and enjoy a full day of fun with their peers.
- Who: Young people aged 13 years and over.
- When: One Saturday every month (Usually the first)
- Time: 10.00 am to 4.00 pm (A full day of adventure and respite!).
What We Do
The Group is all about choice and variety. We believe in empowering our members to help decide where we go and what we do. A typical “Out and About” day might include:
- Trips to local cinemas, bowling alleys, or crazy golf.
- Exploring the beautiful parks and attractions across Leicestershire and beyond.
- Enjoying drinks or lunch at a cafe to practice life skills and money management.
- Travelling on public transport.
Why Join Us?
For the young people, it’s a chance to hang out with friends away from home and school, try new things, and develop the social skills needed for a more independent life. For parents and carers, it provides a dependable, 6-hour block of respite on the weekend, knowing your child is safe, supported, and having a fantastic time.
How to Join
Spaces for our Saturday Youth Group are limited and highly sought after. If you are interested in a place for your child, please contact us to discuss availability and assessment.
Are you looking for a fun, supportive, and engaging environment for your child on the weekends?
The Funsters group at the Mencap Centre is the perfect place for young people to socialise, learn new skills, and—most importantly—have a great time! Our sessions are designed to be inclusive and packed with activities that cater to a wide range of interests.
Key Information
- Age Group: 10 years and up
- When: Alternate Saturdays (during Term Time)
- Time: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Funding and Attendance
We aim to make our groups as accessible as possible. Places for Funsters can be secured via:
- Self-Funding: Families can pay for sessions directly.
- LCC Commissioned Places: Funding may be available through Leicestershire County Council social care pathways.
What We Do
Every session is a new adventure! From arts and crafts and sensory play to team games and community outings, our “Funsters” enjoy a varied schedule designed to build confidence and friendships.
Interested in joining the Funsters family? We’d love to hear from you.
Are you looking for a fun, supportive, and engaging environment for your child on the weekends?
Located at the Mencap Centre, our Fun and Friendship group is a vibrant, welcoming space specifically designed for our younger members. This group focuses on developing social skills, encouraging cooperative play, and—as the name suggests—building lifelong friendships in a safe and supportive environment.
Key Information
- Age Group: 4 years and up
- When: Alternate Saturdays (during Term Time)
- Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Funding and Attendance
We aim to make our groups as accessible as possible. Places for Funsters can be secured via:
- Self-Funding: Families can pay for sessions directly.
- LCC Commissioned Places: Funding may be available through Leicestershire County Council social care pathways.
What We Do
Our sessions are structured to provide a mix of high-energy play and calming creative activities. Whether it’s exploring our sensory equipment, diving into the toy chest, or joining in on a group craft project, there is something for every child to enjoy.
We keep our schedule fresh and exciting! From seasonal celebrations to themed activity days, you can stay up to date with everything we have planned by clicking the link below.
Interested in joining? We’d love to hear from you.
Socialize, Relax, and Dine Together.
Our After School Club at the Mencap Centre offers a welcoming and relaxed “third space” for teenagers. Designed specifically for young people from the age of 14, it’s a place to transition from the school day into an evening of fun, friendship, and a nutritious meal.
Key Details
- Age Group: 14+
- When: Every Thursday (During Term Time)
- Time: 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm
What’s Included?
We understand that a long school day can be tiring. Our club focuses on providing a balance of structured activities and chill-out time, all centred around a communal dining experience.
- The Hot Meal: We provide a freshly prepared hot meal. It’s a fantastic opportunity for our members to sit together, share a meal, and develop independent living and social skills.
- Activities: From gaming and music to creative projects, the activities are shaped by the interests of the young people in the group.
Funding and Attendance
We aim to make our groups as accessible as possible. Places for Funsters can be secured via:
- Self-Funding: Families can pay for sessions directly.
- LCC Commissioned Places: Funding may be available through Leicestershire County Council social care pathways.
How to Join
If you are interested in a place for your teenager, please get in touch!
Are you looking for a fun, supportive, and engaging environment for your child or young person during the summer holidays?
Located at the Mencap Centre, our Summer Scheme is a fun and inclusive programme designed to beat the holiday boredom. We provide a welcoming space where members can explore new interests, stay active and build friendships – all while providing vital respite for families and carers during the long break.
Key Information
- Age Group: Open to anyone of school age (grouped by age and support needs)
- When: Weekdays during the first half of the summer holidays.
- Time: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm.
Supporting Our Families
We understand that the summer holidays can be a long and sometimes challenging period for families. Our scheme is specifically designed to offer:
- Peace of Mind: Knowing your child is in a safe, specialised, and supportive environment.
- Valuable Respite: Giving parents and carers a much-needed break to recharge, work, or spend time with other siblings.
- Expert Care: Our experienced staff are trained to support various needs, ensuring every child has a positive experience.
Funding and Attendance
We aim to make our groups as accessible as possible. Places for our Summer Scheme can be secured via:
- Self-Funding: Families can pay for sessions directly.
- LCC Commissioned Places: Funding may be available through Leicestershire County Council social care pathways.
What We Do
Our Summer Scheme is packed with a diverse range of activities tailored to all abilities. We keep our schedule fresh and exciting with special themed days and adventures out in the community!
Interested in joining the fun? We’d love to hear from you.
