A multi-million-pound fundraising drive is underway to replace an ageing Scarborough facility with a fully accessible centre and new supported housing for people with learning disabilities.
People with learning disabilities across the Yorkshire Coast are set to benefit from a new, fully accessible support centre and residential housing as part of a major community fundraising drive.
A £1.2 million campaign is currently underway to replace an ageing facility on Valley Road in Scarborough with a modern, purpose-built hub designed for the future.
Dozens of vulnerable residents and their families rely on the current Brookleigh building, which was originally constructed as a residential house before later being repurposed as a council storage depot.
The site has provided a safe haven for Scarborough Mencap since 1975, and was officially purchased by the charity in 1984. However, large parts of the property are now completely inaccessible for many service users and the infrastructure no longer meets modern care standards.
In addition to constructing the new community centre, long-term ambitions include raising a further £2.3 million to create accessible residential accommodation on the site. Project leaders say this bold step aims to address a severe local shortage of supported living spaces.
Sixty-one individuals currently receive commissioned support at the centre, with further families waiting to join the service.
The charity says the facility provides vital respite breaks for parents and carers across the region. Services include day care five days a week to build life skills, evening activities on Tuesdays and Thursdays to tackle social isolation, and dedicated one-to-one or two-to-one support out in the community.
Support is provided to a wide age group, assisting children and young people aged five and upwards right through to adulthood, reflecting a deep commitment to inclusivity.
Scarborough and Whitby MP Alison Hume recently toured the existing Valley Road site to hear first-hand how the charity’s work positively impacts the lives of local families.
During the visit, she sat down with the service users forum and met with Chair of Trustees Jenny Stamford, ACE project lead Dawn Brooks, and Nadia Asheg.
The tour followed the Scarborough Special Olympics swimming gala earlier this month, where the MP was introduced to several members of the organisation.
Lending her backing to the Big Build campaign, Alison Hume said:
"The campaign to raise £1.2m for a new and accessible home for Mencap Scarborough is an exciting opportunity to create a facility that can meet the needs of future generations.
I really hope local residents, businesses and organisations will get behind this fantastic cause and help ensure Scarborough Mencap can continue its invaluable work for many years to come.
For so many people, it’s more than a service.
It's somewhere they feel welcomed and connected."
Service users and staff are already arranging a series of events to try and reach their target figure, including sponsored walks, band nights, and variety performances.
A virtual brick scheme has also been launched, allowing supporters to contribute to the new building for a five-pound donation, while larger sponsorships are available for community spaces.
Project leaders say the new development will elevate their commitment to person-centred care, promote health and wellbeing, and foster a truly inclusive environment for everyone.
Alison Hume added:
"Scarborough Mencap is an important part of our community, providing friendship, support and opportunities for so many people across the area.
It was inspiring to see the difference the dedicated staff and trustees make to people’s lives every single day."
Fundraising efforts will incorporate major grant applications alongside community events, proceeds from the charity shop, and sponsored activities such as marathons.
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