History

Background and achievements

Worthing Mencap was established in 1958 by a group of parents wishing to improve the services available for people with learning disabilities.

Over the years Worthing Mencap has been instrumental in setting up local services for people with learning disabilities in Worthing and the surrounding areas. These include Ferring Country Centre and Sussex Seals that now operate as successful charities in their own right.

Buddys and Charity Shop

In 2007 Worthing Mencap purchased the property at 121 South Farm Road to set up an Information Centre to provide advice and information on local services for people with learning disabilities, their families and carers. This project developed into Buddys and has gone from strength to strength. Buddys now welcomes approximately 300 people each week as customers in the coffee shop, members of the various clubs and work experience students.

The Charity Shop opened in May 2011, and its success has protected the future of Buddys. In May 2016 the shop moved to larger premises next door to Buddys.

The My Network service

In April 2012 and in recognition of the organisations reputation for delivering high quality services, Worthing Mencap were asked to set up the new My Network Service on behalf of WSCC. My Network provides a drop in advice service to people with learning disabilities who are not eligible for council funded support.

Every year Worthing Mencap put on events that are enjoyed by hundreds of local people with and without disabilities, these include the hugely popular Sports and Fun Day, Summer Fayre and Christmas Fayre.

We are only able to continue providing these high quality services and activities due to the commitment and enthusiasm of our wonderful team of volunteers.