By Mencap
Mencap in Kirklees, based in West Yorkshire, support people with a
learning disability
A learning disability is to do with the way someone's brain works. It makes it harder for someone to learn, understand or do things.
in a variety of different ways…
A group of people who Mencap in Kirklees support at one of their
day services
Day services are things some people with a learning disability do in the day, usually as part of a group. For example: drama or craft.
, "The Arena", have been taking part in the Open Court Programme - a national programme funded by Sport England and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA – Tennis for Britain), to deliver opportunities, and support to many individuals, including those with a learning disability, to become more involved in the sport of tennis.
It all began when the Royal Mencap Society put Mencap in Kirklees in touch with their local organiser and the group took it from there!
Since then The Arena, who were given were a large bag of equipment to make the tennis even more fun and adaptable, have been participating in the programme on a fortnightly basis, at Howden Clough Tennis Centre in Batley.
Although the group had previously played badminton and table tennis nobody had ever played tennis before so it’s great to hear that they’re loving it, and have told to staff how much they enjoy playing.
" I feel like I’m on TV when I’m playing as the court looks really professional".
The coaches worked really well with each individual, helping them to build their confidence and get the most out of every session.
With the Arena’s enthusiasm and Mencap in Kirklees’s continued service, watch this space – and who knows… all this training may lead to the nurturing of a future tennis champion!?
Game. Set and Match to all at Mencap in Kirklees!
What is the Mencap Network?
In addition to Mencap, there are over 340 organisations working with us in communities across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, to respond to the local needs of people with a learning disability and their families.
Many of these Network Partners share our name as a local Mencap group and also may share our Mencap brand. All Network Partners share
values
Values are the things that are important to you. Mencap's values are being passionate, inclusive, brave, positive, and kind.
while operating as independent charities with their own governance and
strategy
A strategy is a plan to show what an organisation, or a person, wants to do and how they are going to do it.
.
A diverse network of like-minded groups and organisations - both national and local - from large-scale service providers, to small social groups who organise sport activities over the weekends.
All share the same aim - to improve the lives of people with a learning disability and to increase the opportunities available to them in their local areas.
Visit our dedicated webpage to find out how to become a Network Partner.
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