By Mencap
Ken Corker who sits on the board of Wirral Mencap has decided to step down after dedicating over 50 years of his life to helping people in the area 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.
, and the staff and group members there are really going to miss him.
One member in particular, who is also called Ken, and who has been regularly attending the groups Crossbow Club since its conception in the 1960’s told us ““I have been going to the club nearly every week for over 50 years, since the club started. They looked out for me when my mum died a few years ago and in March Ken [Corker] phoned me to tell me that my best friend had died. I was very upset, but Ken was very kind.
Group member Ken has attended the club since it started in the 1960's
I really like going to the club to meet up with my friends, colour in my colouring books, play bingo and do jigsaws.”
Thinking about the staff at the Crossbow Club Ken also said “They are all lovely, kind, helpful people. They are very patient with all the people at the club. They help me to write letters to my friends. I really like going to the club to meet up with my friends, colour in my colouring books, play bingo and do jigsaws.”
When Ken Corker heard these comments, we asked him what he thought and he told us “Getting feedback like this from Ken really does make the whole 50+ years worthwhile.
Ken is one of a handful of members who have been with us on the journey from the beginning in the 1960’s and still actively involved today.
Ken and Lynda Corker receiving thank you gifts at Wirral Mencap’s AGM
The club has encouraged members to develop as people, learn new skills, compete with other clubs and engage in the wider community
A community is the people and places in an area. , as we all grew up together like a big extended family."
We set out to give parent/carers some breathing space each week whilst offering their family members the opportunity to have some fun through social and
leisure
Leisure is when you have time to do things you enjoy like playing sports or going to the pub.
activities amongst friends.
From Ken’s comments it seems to have worked and become much more in response to changing circumstances and a listening ear when required.
The club has encouraged members to develop as people, learn new skills, compete with other clubs and engage in the wider community, as we all grew up together like a big extended family.
All of this would not have been possible without the support of a small army of volunteers who have come and gone over the years, some of whom have stayed the course throughout, and Wirral Mencap members and officials in the background.
It’s not all been down to me. It wouldn’t have happened if it was, and I thank every one of them most sincerely for their contributions”.
We’re sure that although Ken Corker is stepping down, he’ll remain in close contact with everyone at the club and, in recognition to this amazing individual and his commitment to Wirral Mencap we’re honoured to be sharing this story to our public Mencap social media channels.