A LOCAL CHARITY that supports adults and children with learning disabilities, as well as their carers, have been celebrating a change of name.
Previously known as Wokingham and Bracknell Districts MENCAP, the charity has completely rebranded to better represent their core aims.
Their new name is Promise Inclusion, repositioning themselves as a local charity delivering on the promise that all people matter.
Chair of Trustees, Jill Ward explained: “The name and logo change really brings us into the 21st century.
“By modernising our image, we hope to better support our younger members.
“We’ve had some really positive feedback about losing the MECAP name.”
MENCAP is a commonly used abbreviation for ‘mentally handicapped’ and is considered to be outdated by some.
Heather Young, joint CEO said: “We wanted to get rid of the MENCAP name because we don’t believe people should have a label like that placed on them, it’s horrible.
“The old name has also meant we have struggled to get funding, as people think we are nationally funded by the national MENCAP group, but that’s not the case.”
Joint CEOs, Heather Young and Mary Durman have been involved with the charity for years. Ms Young was one of the founding trustees 22 years ago, and Ms Durman has been with the charity for 16 years.
They explained that over the years, they have seen more people coming up through the system who need their support.
“What we really want is funding for a family liaison officer,” explained Ms Young.
The charity run sibling trips as well as family trips throughout the year.
“When the groups from Wokingham and Bracknell meet up, children are often astonished to know there are other people like them in the area,” said Ms Young.
The pair explained that they are always on the lookout for support from local companies.
This year, they were chosen as Legal and General Homes’ charity of the year and received a lot of support as a result.
In fact, their new logo was designed by a friend of the homebuilder.
“Our new logo is about empowering people. We’re here to help people take control of their own lives,” added Ms Durman.
The charity had been looking to change their name and logo for some time, however, it was with the help of local marketing group Dynamiq, that their vision was carried out.
Managing Director of Dynamiq, Rob Cao said: “What we really wanted to do was help take the brand forward to help with their fundraising.
“It’s about delivering on the promise that all people matter, and that’s where the name Promise Inclusion came from.”
Dynamiq have also helped the charity to modernise their community presence, reactivating their social media pages to engage with their supporters online.
With a new name, logo and renewed excitement among the volunteers, Promise Inclusion is raring to help support their growing community.
