Local learning disability charity opens its doors to the community and invites you to join in the fun

Pennine Mencap is an Oldham-based charity that supports and provides opportunities for adults with learning disabilities, autism and complex needs.

They are hosting their first open day, which is packed with activity taster sessions and so much more.

The event also celebrates the official relaunch of Rhodes Bank Chambers, a unique Victorian building which has been Pennine Mencap’s home for over a decade.

The premises is now fully rebranded with its new identity: the Rhodes Bank Centre.

This relaunch marks the completion of a huge programme of renovation, upgrading many of the activity rooms and renewing the entire frontage of the building.

Over 14 years, the charity has grown to become an essential part of the local community. The Pennine Mencap team works tirelessly to provide unique opportunities, and they are looking forward to showing off the place where so much of it takes place.

The Rhodes Bank Centre is the heart of the charity's work. The staff, volunteers and service users are keen to welcome new faces and offer a warm, inclusive welcome.

September 3rd is the date of this exciting open day, with the goal of increasing awareness of the wealth of activities they offer, including a full wraparound day service for those who require more specialised support.

The Centre is easily accessible by tram, bus or car, located opposite the Oldham Mumps Metrolink Interchange. Pennine Mencap welcomes adults with disabilities not just from Oldham but the surrounding boroughs of Tameside, Rochdale, Stockport and Manchester. All are welcome at the open day.

Doors will open at 11:30 am; visitors will be greeted by the friendly team and welcomed to a short introductory chat where they can learn a little more about who Pennine Mencap are.

At 12 pm, a choir workshop will begin where visitors can experience the type of exciting vocal sessions that take place every week at the Centre. This taster session, led by activity coordinator Tom Morris, focuses on the choir’s ethos of working as a team to create natural harmonies.

The Rhodes Bank Choir often takes part in unique performances, such as being part of a full-day Pennine Mencap takeover at the Manchester Museum last August; the choir will also be part of the charity’s forthcoming takeover at Gallery Oldham in October. If you have a learning disability, autism or other disability and aspire to sing, this session is a great opportunity to get on board with this well-respected choir.

Once everyone has embraced their inner vocalist, guests can take part in a mini taster session of Creativity Club. Everyone can unleash their artistic skills and enjoy getting crafty. A priority for the Centre is to keep its services accessible, offering opportunities for all to get involved regardless of disability or neurodiversity. Creativity Club is a perfect example of a relaxed and inclusive community activity.

A tasty lunch is served up at 1 pm, prepared by the Charity's in-house cook who takes extra care to promote nutritional outcomes. This is a prime opportunity to mingle and get to know some of the friendly team who are a part of the charity, including those who have been accessing the service since it was first launched in 2012.

Stage Right Performing Arts group, Pennine Mencap’s in-house theatre company, has led the way for so many in the community to challenge misinformed perceptions about disability while proudly displaying their talents. Guests will join the Stage Right taster session at 2 pm.

Even for the less confident amongst the attendees, drama sessions are an ideal way to build self-esteem, improve communication skills and feel empowered.

The final taster session of the day is Music Therapy; this will be a group-style workshop embracing the wide range of instruments used at the Centre. This session is suitable for absolute beginners with no musical experience and, as with everything offered at the Centre, is designed to be inclusive for individuals with a wide range of disabilities. The taster will be led by Alan Wells, an accredited Music Therapist who trained, qualified and has loyally remained based at the charity since 2022.

Alan leads multiple sessions at the Centre every week, offering diverse and inventive ways to create music – from a drumming circle and a guitar group, through to creating soundscapes and full band-style performances. This is quite literally your chance to join

the band, whether you would like to try some percussion work or even create music using simple, tablet-based digital instruments.

This open day is not just for adults with learning disabilities and autism. It is also a chance for carers and family members of disabled and neurodiverse adults to experience what Pennine Mencap has on offer.

It is also a day for potential volunteers to see what happens at the Centre and maybe offer to be part of Pennine Mencap’s bright future.

If you have any questions about the open day, please contact madison.holt@penninemencap.org or phone Pennine Mencap directly on 0161 627 1025.