Becca and Vicki
Derbyshire science company Lubrizol has helped put the sparkle into Christmas for people with learning difficulties who were forced apart during Covid – by helping fund a slap-up festive bash.
Staff at Belper Mencap, which supports people in the area who have learning difficulties, are this year putting on the organisation’s first big Christmas party since Covid.
Organisers wanted to pull out all the stops to make the party go with a swing in 2022. After asking businesses for support they have been helped with a donation from locally based company Lubrizol, whose UK headquarters is at Hazelwood where it employs 350 people.
Belper Mencap leaders said this year’s party was particularly important as many of the residents who use its services live alone and became even more isolated during Covid.
Thanks to Lubrizol’s support, the 2022 Belper Mencap Christmas do will feature a raffle, presents, full buffet and a disco. Santa himself is even rumoured to be paying the event a visit.
Party co-ordinator JP Deacon said: “The reason why we reached out and asked for support this year is because of Covid, which has had a huge impact on all the people needing our help. They have not seen their friends properly and we want to put this party together for them to talk to their friends again. Because of Covid, I think they are worried about going out again. We wanted a safe place where they can meet up.
“In years gone by we might have had a sit down meal but this year we wanted to get them together and dancing. This money from Lubrizol has really helped out this year, and we’re very grateful to them.”
Belper Mencap is part of the Royal Mencap Society charity and it supports adults in the area with learning difficulties who either live on their own or in shared accommodation.
Support worker Debbie Smith said many were affected by Covid in that centres they used to meet up were no longer available, and they became quite isolated. Added to that, a person under Mencap’s care may have health difficulties making them more vulnerable to viruses such as Covid.
She said: “It’s great that the Christmas party is happening this year. Thanks to Lubrizol and to our area manager Carrie Cumberland for making it extra special in 2022.”
The Christmas party is being held at Rumours bar in Belper, on December 14, from 12-4pm. Two people who are coming along are Becca Gains, 42, and Vicki Jones, 32, who are both supported by the charity.
Becca, who lives on her own, said the Covid experience had been “horrible”. She said: “I did socialise, I like socialising, I like going out and being around people and things like that, obviously with Covid I did miss that.
“I’m really looking forward to the party, because I can see people I don’t normally meet up with.”
Vicki added: “I felt very isolated during Covid because like Becca I’m a sociable person. I don’t like being stuck in my flat for a whole day and I felt very lonely. I am looking forward to the party.”
Claire Hollingshurst, from Lubrizol’s charities and communities committee, said: “We were delighted to support the Belper Mencap Christmas party. It’s great to think that people can get together once again and celebrate the festive season in style this year. It’s so important for local people who use this charity to get the chance to socialise with their friends again. I hope Santa turns up as promised, people get on the dance floor, and it’s a party to remember!”
To help its Christmas party along even further, Belper Mencap would particularly like support from local businesses with raffle prizes. Any company who would like to donate a raffle prize should contact JP on [email protected].
