My mum used to work as the accountant at K&DMS  – that was when I was 8.  I was adopted at 7.  My mum was working with Laura, so I have known about Keynsham Mencap ever since I moved to Keynsham 17 years ago.  I wasn’t a helper at that point of course, as I was too young, but we used to do some things as a family like the sponsored walks.  I remember taking our newfoundlands along the cycle track to raise money on the sponsored walk.  Also, when I was about 9 we did a bake sale. I went to school with some of the other regular volunteers, with Izzy and Molly.  My mum is a very supportive person.  She is a trustee, and the Treasurer, which she juggles alongside her day job as an accountant.

One of the main reasons I was drawn to Mencap was that my mum’s brother-in-law is disabled.  He had an accident and is now wheelchair needing some support.  As a family we have always had the idea that people with disabilities shouldn’t be held back or stopped doing things.  We spend time with Uncle Neal which has given me an understanding of, and passion for inclusivity.

Home

I live with my partner and we’ve got 2 guinea pigs.  They’ve just had surgery, but are back to OK now.  I’ve had them a year.  They are like my little babies.  I am a little allergic to them – I get hives!

Volunteering

I first started volunteering shortly after some friends from second school had volunteered.  I started off at the SENSations club at Somerdale .  I helped out because I wanted to help and grow as a person, and also because I wanted it for my CV. Also, I wanted a new hobby, and it has done all three!

There is such as sense of community.  I love it. I did it for about a year and then took a break.  I came back to volunteer in the summer of 2023 with Club 25, which is for people 25 and over.  They are so much fun. 

I started working with Go Explore, the club for young adults aged 18-25, last summer.  Lottie leads it and I am the Deputy.  I really like working with her.  We do lots of differing things with the young adults from cooking to paddleboarding.

Between stopping at SENSations and starting at Club 25, I kept in touch with Molly, Lucy and Izzy who were all friends from school, and who have all been regular volunteers for ages.  I helped out at the summer fete, and then realised what an amazing community it is and decided to be a regular volunteer again.  Quite a lot of volunteers and staff work or volunteer at more than one club like me. 

Running & Fitness

I ran the Bath Half Marathon! Training was really hard.  I am so proud of myself.  I am hypermobile, have issues with my knees, and have got plates and screw in my ankles.  I had a hip injury when I was 9, which has been problematic.  I ran it with my partner, who I live with.  He is amazing and we fundraised together.  His workplace BSI agreed to match fund our total up to £1000, which is so generous. 

I ran the Saltford Santa Dash last year too.  It was much harder than I thought running in a Santa outfit!  It was sweaty and made it much tougher as I am used to running in stretchy leggings and a top. 

I don’t even really like running!  I tried a lot of sports growing up. I enjoy going to the gym.  I lift.  I love going on hikes.  I like being outdoors.  It is so refreshing! I love stars and stargazing too. 

Club Members

One of the reasons I love helping is the members.  They are so amazing.  They are always so happy and charismatic.  Being with them really lifts your mood and cheers you up after a hard day at work.  The members become your friends.  It is a lovely bond.

I grew up in a neurodivergent family before moving to Keynsham, and am neurodivergent myself.  My view is that nothing should hold anyone back, which is why I love Mencap so much and the message I try to hold close for myself.  I apply it to my life too. 

I think that volunteering and working at Mencap has helped me to realise that we all need to have fun in our lives to have a fulfilling life.  You can have mental health needs, physical health, nutritional health needs, but social needs are so important and often overlooked.  I have formed friendships with the staff, other volunteers and members, it is amazing seeing the impact of what we do and being part of this community.