A south London charity which saw demand soar during the pandemic can help more young disabled people boost their confidence and job prospects – thanks to a six-figure funding boost.
Bromley Mencap has received £103,100 from City Bridge Trust – the City of London Corporation’s charity funder – to provide training, work experience and volunteering opportunities for 16 to 25-year-olds with disabilities.
It will offer training in horticulture, catering and bike recycling – refurbishing and selling on old bikes donated by the public – as well as work experience at the charity’s refreshments kiosk in Norman Park.
The charity received 1,200 new referrals for its services last year – a 100% increase on the previous year – due to the impact of Covid and the closure of other services for disabled people in the area.
A City Bridge Trust spokesperson said:
“Research suggests young disabled people have been particularly impacted by the pandemic and feel more isolated and excluded from their local community as a result.
“The project we’re funding is providing valuable training and real, practical work and volunteering experience which makes a real difference to improving young people’s life prospects.”
Bromley Mencap says young disabled people often find it difficult to access work experience opportunities as they lack the relevant experience and qualifications. Meanwhile, employers may not have accessible premises or suitable training for staff.
Bromley Mencap Chief Executive Officer Eddie Lynch MBE said:
“This scheme supports young disabled people to improve their confidence and wellbeing, develop friendships and provides a route into volunteering which might otherwise not be available.
“It empowers them and gives them the confidence to be able to do what other young people do – get a job, earn money, be part of the local community and, the ultimate goal, gain their independence.”
