Winchester Mencap aims to improve life and create opportunities for learning disabled people and their families

Winchester & District Mencap Society is delighted to announce that they have a new office at the Winchester Discovery Centre in Jewry Street

And a new telephone number - 01962 873608

Jane Jessop Chairman of Winchester & District Mencap says: 'The Discovery Centre have always been welcoming to our members and to our activities including drop in sessions and healthy lunch challenges and now our Blue Apple dance programme. We really value being in the centre of town and in such a good building.'

Blue Apple Theatre remains at the Tower@ Kings except for a new dance programme on Thursday afternoons at the Discovery Centre. If you would like to join in our new dance classes on Thursdays please contact louise.sarton@blueappletheatre.co.uk or phone 01962 867986 and leave a message.

For more information please contact phone 01962 873608 or e-mail info@winchestermencap.org.uk

Kilimanjaro!

Climbing high for Winchester Mencap!

Naomi Hill is climbing Mt Kilimanjaro and donating part of the money she raises to Winchester & District Mencap – please support her. Donations can be made safely through her just giving page.

Thank you Naomi

Blue Apple Theatre

Living Without Fear is a new 40 minute touring production designed to add Blue Apple's unique voice to Royal Mencap’s national campaign on Disability Hate Crime.

Through a powerful mixture of drama and dance, the performance follows a group of learning disabled adults on the road towards full independence as they meet hate crime, mate crime, fear, and encounter difficulties in getting their situation understood.

Great for promoting discussion, opening workshops and offered with Q&A, Living Without Fear raises public awareness of these difficult issues and seeks to promote discussion. How do you listen where words are few and stories are incomplete? How can we help people cope and stay safe?

'One of the most powerful performances seen in Winchester for many years...a blend of moving dance with poignant scenes of prejudice and hate crimes...startling...wonderful' - Hampshire Chronicle June 2011

Living without Fear has been created by Blue Apple's award winning Core Company in collaboration with the writer Will Jessop, choreographer Jo Harris and director Peter Clerke. Click here for details!

Freddie's Story is a 20-minute film made by Will Jessop with members of Blue Apple Theatre. Commissioned a local NHS Foundation Trust for training medical staff, Freddie’s Story looks at the complexities of gaining accurate diagnoses and better care for people with learning disabilities in hospital. Based on local research and the Mencap 'Death by Indifference' report, the film aims to help provide the mandatory training in learning disability recommended by Sir Jonathan Michael's Inquiry into Healthcare For All. Click here for details!

Take a look at our website www.blueappletheatre.com for a complete list of performances and rehearsals, news of the Apple Core issue-based drama, a look through past shows, and a discussion of the vision of mixed ability theatre.

Click here to see highlights of A Blue Apple Midsummer Night's Dream where 35 performers, 27 with learning disabilities performed in promenade inside and out in June. Wonderful acting, design, costumes and lighting helped make this a truly memorable 5th birthday production. The performance was specially adapted and filmed by William Jessop. (williamjessopfilms@gmail.com)

Events for your diaries

Supper and entertainment for a Summer Evening

In a marquee in the Water meadows Saturday July 9th

Bridge Tea

October 6th

Quiz Night and Supper

November 4th

To find out more or to apply for tickets please contact info@winchestermencap.org.uk

DONATIONS

Winchester and District Mencap Society is always very grateful for donations.

If you would like to help us create opportunities for learning disabled people in our area to grow skills, access the community and lead fulfilled lives please send a cheque made out to Winchester & District Mencap Society to:

The Treasurer
Winchester & District Mencap Society
The Winchester Discovery Centre
Jewry Street
Winchester SO23 8SB

Or download and print the standing order and gift aid form and send to this address

Alternatively, you can make a donation now using our JustGiving page Click here to donate now Don't forget to tick the box if you are a tax payer so that your donation can be gift aided. Thank you.