A £10k cash injection will help Bexley charity provide more healthy activities for those with learning disabilities

Bexley Mencap is expanding its highly Healthy Lifestyles programme thanks to a cash boost – meaning a wider range of weekly activities such as keep fit, tennis, gardening, football, and social clubs.

These activities promote physical health, emotional well-being, and social inclusion support for people with learning disabilities. A new £10,000 grant from London Freemasons will help the cause.

People with a learning disability are seven times more likely to experience loneliness than the general population, with the pandemic worsening social isolation, according to the charity, which is affiliated to the Royal Mencap Society.

Health inequalities are striking, with life expectancy averaging just 63 years for people with learning disabilities compared to 82 for men and 86 for women in the general population.

The Healthy Lifestyles programme addresses these challenges by aiming to develop a sense of community, build confidence, and improve health.

Kara Lee, chief executive at Bexley Mencap said: “We are thrilled to have the support of London Freemasons, which will help us reach even more people with learning disabilities.  This funding allows us to expand our programme, ensuring everyone has opportunities to be active, stay healthy, and do the things they enjoy.”

Paul King from London Freemasons said: “We are proud to support Bexley Mencap with the expansion of their Healthy Lifestyles programme, helping them to fight health inequalities within the community.”

Bexley Mencap provides essential practical support for people with a learning disability, as well as through activities programmes. It helps with managing bills and assessing benefits, putting on life skills workshops on cooking, budgeting and IT. It also offers families and carers emotional and practical advice.

For more information about Bexley Mencap’s work or to get involved, please visit www.bexleymencap.org.uk or contact office@bexleymencap.org.uk.

Pictured top: A tennis outing proves very popular for this group of enthusiasts (Picture: Bexley Mencap)