Mencap West Lancs was formed in 1961 by a group of concerned parents. At that time, the political District of West Lancashire did not exist. It was only formed after boundary reorganisation in 1974. Consequently, our name was initially 'Ormskirk and District' Mencap.
At that time, Skelmersdale was a thought in the planners' minds and the population was much smaller. Similarly, the county of Merseyside did not exist and so many people who now live in neighbouring parts of that area joined our society. Many are still members.
In 1996, we changed our name to MENCAP WEST LANCS, in an effort to show everyone in the District that we were the society for them. It also means that people who are looking for Mencap can find us at their first attempt. (Who would look for Mencap under 'O' for Ormskirk?)
As you can see, we are taking positive steps to publicise ourselves and our work. Membership has grown over the past years from about eighty families to over one hundred and seventy. We think this is a considerable achievement.
In 1996, we changed our name to MENCAP WEST LANCS, in an effort to show everyone in the District that we were the society for them. It also means that people who are looking for Mencap can find us at their first attempt. (Who would look for Mencap under 'O' for Ormskirk?)
As you can see, we are taking positive steps to publicise ourselves and our work. Membership has grown over the past years from about eighty families to over one hundred and seventy. We think this is a considerable achievement.
Not content with that progress, we actively seek others in the District of West Lancashire to come to join. There is strength in numbers and people listen more carefully when you are strong.
A recent positive development is that more and more people with learning disabilities are becoming members of Mencap West Lancs in their own right.
The society is managed by a Committee of members.
We are a progressive, forward looking bunch of people, who are struggling to improve things for people with learning disabilities and their Carers in West Lancashire.
If you try, you will probably find another site for the National (Royal) Society, which covers the whole of England and Wales. We are a separate Registered Charity, which is affiliated to the National one and we operate only in the local authority district of West Lancashire, England. We do not cover the whole geographic west side of Lancashire.
We publish a monthly newsletter called "THE NAG" ©1992 (News And Gossip), parts of which are reproduced on this site. Have a look at what we are doing and enjoy yourselves.
PROJECT WORKER
Late in 2001 we employed our first part time project worker which proved to be a considerable help for the society. Our current worker is Anne Digwood
