Our stories

 From trustee/chair to bid writer

Michael was chair and trustee of Basingstoke Mencap having previously worked for the Shaw Trust helping disabled people gain employment and as an equality trainer. He founded Basingstoke Strikers, a football club for learning disabled players, and having lived in Basingstoke for 32 years knows the community very well. He has now stepped down as chair and continues to support the charity as a volunteer bid writer.

“I took the opportunity to volunteer as a trustee of Basingstoke Mencap because I think that people who have learning disabilities need chance to have a good life. I particularly enjoyed helping at the May Club on Mondays because I could chat to people and find out about their interests and what they needed in life. It was good to see themselves having fun and meeting up with their friends. I also enjoyed helping people who were attending Greenfingers and hearing about what they enjoyed at the project. I have enjoyed being a volunteer and am now assisting with writing bids for grants to support the projects. So, it is possible to volunteer in a background role or, as I did, go along to some of the clubs and get to know people who have learning disabilities. People who have learning disabilities are very friendly and like to chat.”