Leighton Buzzard Mencap was founded in 1968 by Rex and Anne Watson. Their daughter Sarah has Down Syndrome, but they found that there was no local support.

 

So, they started with an Opportunity Group for under 5s and their parents. Over the years Leighton Buzzard Mencap has grown into its distinct groups and services. We are affiliated to Royal Mencap but are run entirely on a voluntary basis and are dependant entirely on external contributions.

 

We aim to provide support and opportunities to those with learning disabilities and their families locally. Our vision is a world where people with a learning disability are valued equally, listened to and included. We want everyone to have the opportunity to achieve the things they want out of life. People with a learning disability find it harder than others to learn, understand and communicate, but like all of us they want different things out of life and need different levels of support to achieve those goals.

 

Leighton Buzzard Mencap works to ensure that people with a learning disability have the opportunity to live the life that they choose. We aim to provide that support, advice and practical help through a variety of services. Leighton Buzzard Mencap is a source of support for the whole family, long-term.