#StoriesFromTheNetwork - Sheffield Mencap and Gateway

Sheffield Mencap & Gateway celebrated its 70th anniversary over the past year and, as part of their anniversary celebrations, they’ve been telling 70 stories showing the impact they have made to the lives of people with a learning disability over the past seven decades.

People have shared what the group means to them, the skills they have learnt, the problems they have overcome, the new friends they’ve made, and much more.

The group have been using different platforms to tell these stories including their social media channels, as well as a published book titled ’Ten Stories’ which focusses on ten families who have received long-term and holistic support from the charity.

Some of these stories are about the groups’ very own café: 'Mencafé'.

Carol Cook, the Service Manager at Sheffield Mencap and Gateway, explains…

“Every Thursday and Friday at Sheffield Mencap and Gateway we run our own café, known as ‘Mencafé’.

Members of our cooking group, along with staff and volunteers, work together to cook and serve delicious 2-course lunches to the whole staff team, and sometimes members of the public too.

Jack

I like to cook and relax in the sensory room. We cooked bangers and mash. Good memories of Mencap"

In the past few weeks, the Mencafé menu has included sea bass, steak, fresh soup and tasty treats such as cheesecake and scones – it’s no wonder staff look forward to coming to work!

Ruthina

I like coming on Thursdays and Fridays. Sometimes we cook lasagne"

In addition to developing many practical skills, Mencafé is a great opportunity for members and staff to work together as a team. Walking into the Mencafé kitchen you are surrounded by laughter as well as mouth-watering cooking smells and it’s clear the relationships between group members and staff are very special”.

I have all my best friends and Mencap is my family. My happiest memory here is making friends. I love being part of it. I’ve got the best cooking group on Thursday"

Grace