HR:4UK: working with our community
A factor, which is really important to us here at HR: 4UK, is helping our community. We have developed a fantastic relationship with the local charity Menphys over the years: a relationship we are really proud of, and one we look forward to developing further.
Who are Menphys?
Menphys is a Leicestershire charity for disabled children, young people and their families.
Their ambition? A future full of equal choices and opportunities for disabled children, young people and their families, empowering them to live as ordinary lives as possible and aspiring for the extraordinary.
Their mission? To deliver a quality service which values the views and enables the voice of disabled children, young people and their families in Leicester and Leicestershire.
An inspiring and memorable trip
Recently, we hand-delivered a donation to Menphys: an experience we presumed would be moving, but one which left us feeling completely in awe and inspired.
On arrival, we were greeted by Liam, the Head of Fundraising and Toni, their Fundraising and Events Coordinator, in their community café which was attached to a charity shop. A little gem of a café, full of friendly faces and delicious looking cakes.
Toni and Liam took their time explaining to us the background of Menphys, their facilities and the difficulties which surfaced from COVID-19. We were then given a tour of the building accompanied by an explanation of each room’s purpose and their exciting plans for the future. There were a wide variety of rooms, including a fantastic sensory room offering special lighting, music, mirroring and multi-sensory objects, such as bubble tubing. Another room provided facilities for ‘tHAIRapy’: a non-judgmental environment, offering low-sensory hairdressing and low-sensory barbering with qualified hairdressers who also have expertise working with children with special educational needs.
What was made evident throughout this experience, is how life changing Menphys is for the families involved. Menphys provides a safe space for families to come and enjoy life; a place which is free of fear and judgment; a place which encourages personal development; and a charity which provides opportunities and memorable moments.
Since our trip, we have been in contact with Liam, and he has informed us that our donation will go towards their family events programme. These monthly activities for families with disabled young people can range from cinema trips to theatre experiences and zoo visits.
Exciting events coming up at Menphys
Alongside the day-to-day events which Menphys provide, including Saturday clubs (opportunities for children and young people with a range of disabilities to meet, socialise and have fun) and Work Ready Crew (a 6 week placement for young people with disabilities to develop skills and enhance their CV), they also have the following events in their calendar which we would love to promote on their behalf.
Leicester Comedy Festival
This is taking place at the Menphys Hub in February. There are two acts performing – Jarlath Regan (Friday 17th February) and Jarred Christmas (Thursday 11th February). Plus, they will also be running a comedy skills workshop for young people with disabilities. This is a first for the festival – so one you don’t want to miss! To purchase tickets for these events, please click here.
Menphys Miles
An event which has been taking place for over 30 years – Menphys Miles. This fundraising event encourages individuals to take on the Miles for Menphys challenge by walking, running, swimming, cycling, or rolling, to clock up miles which can be recorded on their dedicated website. The purpose is to help Menphys travel the world, raise awareness for their work with young people with disabilities and to raise vital funds. For more information, please click here.
Sports Club – a business club with a sporting twist
People travel all over the county to meet their sporting idols and hear their stories. Plus, everyone loves a networking event. Menphys therefore created Sports Club, an opportunity to bring these elements together.
Members of the Sports Club will receive a minimum of four yearly events and will hear from invited guests from the world of local, national, or international sport whilst also spending time and getting to know others from the world of business, community and sport. The purpose of this club is to provide much-needed sporting opportunities for children and young people with disabilities.
Our trip to Menphys really was completely inspiring. It was clear our donation was going towards a fantastic and worthwhile cause. We encourage you to visit their website , as the more awareness raised for this remarkable charity, the better.
Angela Clay
A qualified employment law solicitor and our managing director, Angela has unparalleled legal expertise and decades of experience and knowledge to draw from. She’s a passionate speaker and writer that loves to keep employers updated with upcoming changes to legislation, and is a regular guest speaker on BBC Leicester Radio.
