A charity that has served the district for 60 years says it needs new volunteers to help keep building friendships.
The Spalding branch of Mencap runs sessions most Fridays called The Gateway Club.
The evenings start at 7pm at the Broad Street Methodist Church, aim to provide an inclusive meeting place for adults with learning difficulties to come together and also bond with others.
It’s been running for decades, only finally coming to a temporary halt for the COVID-19 lockdowns.
The group returned in 2022 and its members are appealing for new volunteers to help the sessions continue.
“The Gateway Club is really well loved,” said Wendy Houghton, who has helped out with the charity almost since its inception. “We just need a few more people to help us run it so we can continue to offer the opportunities we do.
“Those who attend enjoy going so much; for many it’s the highlight of their week.
“It’s just like meeting up with your friends as everyone does.”
Wendy says there are 25 ‘regulars’ who come week in, week out, plus a number of others who attend when they can.
As well as just getting together, there are regular activities, including sessions put on by the Adults Move group, carpet bowls games and visit from musicians including brass bands and the Spalding Ukulele Orchestra for its Christmas event.
“At the moment we’re making decorations as we’re having a tree at Spalding Baptist Church’s Christmas Tree festival,” added Wendy.
“I think the best thing about volunteering is that everybody is so pleased to see you at the Gateway Club. Everybody is friends with each other.”
Anyone over 18 can attend the sessions.
Mencap would also like more volunteers to help with the charity side of things.
It’s AGM is on Monday (November 24) 6pm at Broad Street Methodist Church.
“We have four committee meetings a year to discuss issues, but it’s more just what we legally have to do to be a charity,” Wendy continued. “It’s not onerous being a member of the charity.
“One of the reasons we’d like some new blood is so we can have more ideas about The Gateway Club and what we can do for the people who use this service regularly.”
Anyone who’d like more information about the sessions can contact Wendy on 01775 640296.
