East Kent Mencap

04/11/2026

Join us for our Folkestone hub open day! 🩷

Come along on Saturday 21 November, 10.30am-1.30pm, and meet the team, try some craft and wellbeing activities, explore our sensory room and enjoy a cuppa with us.

It's a great opportunity to find out more about East Kent Mencap, the activities we offer and how to get involved. You can also find out about booking onto our upcoming taster sessions.

📍 Inside Age UK Folkestone, 65 Shaftesbury Avenue, Folkestone, CT19 4NS.

Everyone is welcome. We hope to see you there!

04/11/2026

Come along to Unite Ashford this November for a fun PYJAMA PARTY! Full details below.

This November we’re having a cosy Pyjama Party!🎉🌙

Come join us and get your best pyjamas or onsie out and have a boogie!

📅 Friday 27th November
⏰ 7pm - 10 pm
📍 Ashford Stour Centre

🎟️ £5 per person
💛 Carers go FREE!
🥤 Bar and tuck shop available

We can’t wait to see you all there! 💜

04/11/2026

Fancy a quiz night with a good cause? Join our Herne Bay hub coordinator Vicki on Saturday 28 November for an evening of quizzing, live music and a raffle, raising money for East Kent Mencap and Su***de Prevention as she trains for the London Marathon 2027!

📅 Saturday 28 November
📍 St Philip’s Church, Summerfield Road, Cliftonville, CT9 3JJ
🕡 6.30pm for a 7pm start
👥 Tables of 6–8 people

To book your table, contact Vicki on 07702 207 068 or email [email protected].

Bring your own food and drink (no spirits). Tea, coffee and soft drinks will also be available to purchase. Payment is cash on the night.

Vicki's determination is already being put to the test! Last weekend, she travelled to the Peak District for a half marathon, only to discover the event had been cancelled just over an hour before the start. Rather than head back to the hotel, she decided to complete the full 21.1km herself.

Through wind, rain and hail, Vicki pushed through moments when her mind and body were telling her to give up. She didn't run every step, but she completed the distance on her own. What an achievement!

Come along, support Vicki's fundraising and enjoy a great night out. We hope to see you there! 🩷

02/11/2026

🎄 We’re excited to launch our Christmas appeal!

This Christmas, we’re raising £1,000 to support people with a learning disability across East Kent.

You can help in two ways: donate to our appeal or take part in Bake a Difference!

We’re inviting workplaces, schools, community groups and individuals to organise festive fundraisers, from office bake sales and Christmas bake-offs to baking for friends and family.

Every donation and fundraiser will help us reach our target.

🧁 Find out how to get involved or donate here: www.eastkentmencap.co.uk/fundraise/christmas-fundraising-ideas (link in bio)

30/10/2026

Lucy and Ryan have both been trying something new at our Swale hub.

Lucy has been putting her creativity to work in our upcycling sessions, using different materials to make a cat scratching post - and it looks amazing! She’s been figuring out which materials work best and developing her design as she goes. With her first project underway, she’s already thinking about what to make next.

Ryan usually stays at the hub when other members go swimming, but recently decided to visit the group at the pool. Taking that step outside his usual routine took courage, and he really enjoyed being there with everyone. We’re proud of Ryan for giving something new a try.

Trying something new looks different for everyone. Whether it’s starting a creative project or facing something that feels like a big step, it’s about having the opportunity to explore new experiences in a way that works best for the individual. 🩷

30/10/2026

Check out The ScrapStore at EKM if you haven't already! 🩷

28/10/2026

Through our partnership with SGN, East Kent Mencap is helping people with a learning disability and others who may need extra support to access help with their energy services.

Megan has seen first-hand how the Priority Services Register (PSR) can make a difference. The register helps utility providers identify people who may need extra support, particularly during service disruptions.

Megan said: “It is great that the Priority Services Register unites my suppliers without me having to contact each individually if there is a problem with my water, gas and electric. They will sort it quickly.

“For example, during the recent water shortages over the summer, they delivered bottled water to me, which I wouldn't have been able to carry myself due to the difficulties my chronic illness causes me.”

Would you benefit from energy safety advice? You can book a free 1-to-1 session to find out more about the Priority Services Register and more of the support available. To book a session or find out more, email Leonora at: [email protected]

20/10/2026

In just five days, Vicki will be taking on her first half marathon in the Peak District as part of her training for the London Marathon next year.

Vicki is our Herne Bay hub coordinator, and she's taking on this huge challenge to raise £5,000 for East Kent Mencap and Su***de Prevention, two causes that mean a lot to her.

She is currently just £4 away from her £600 fundraising milestone ahead of the half marathon. Can you help her reach it? Every donation, no matter how small, will help Vicki get closer to her £5,000 target and support two important causes.

Donate here: https://gvwhl.com/AGDTS

20/10/2026

Our Ashford hub taster days start tomorrow, and spaces are limited for some sessions!

Following the interest at our recent open day, people with a learning disability can come along to try an activity at our new hub. We have limited availability, so get in touch as soon as possible to enquire about a place.

Wednesday 21 October:
Cooking: 10am-12pm
Baking: 1pm-3pm
Crafts: 10am-12pm or 1pm-3pm

Thursday 22 October:
Cooking: 10am-12pm
Baking: 1pm-3pm
Crafts: 10am-12pm or 12pm-3pm

Booking is essential. Email us with your preferred date and activity at [email protected], or call or text 07377101895.

We’re looking forward to welcoming you to our Ashford hub!

16/10/2026

After 28 years with East Kent Mencap, we’re wishing Josie a very happy retirement! 🩷

Josie spent much of her time supporting members in our Thanet Housing service, working across several homes and in the community. She played an important role in helping members move into our Clarence Avenue home in 2018, supporting them through a big change and helping them settle into their new home.

Throughout her time with East Kent Mencap, Josie has supported members to build their independence, have their voices heard and make sure their needs are understood. Her knowledge, care and commitment have made a lasting difference to the people she has supported and the colleagues she has worked alongside.

Our CEO, Jason, said: “Josie’s contribution to East Kent Mencap has been exceptional, and she leaves behind a lasting legacy that will be remembered for many years to come.”

Thank you, Josie, for 28 years of dedication to East Kent Mencap and the people we support. We hope you enjoy this next chapter! 🩷