Eddie's (formerly Cambridgeshire Mencap)

Eddie’s works across Cambridgeshire to provide lifelong opportunities for people with learning disabilities to create the lifestyle they choose and be equal and active members of the community.

“Every day is different – I like the variety and the different challenges” - staff member

"My befriender takes me out and makes me feel happy." - service user

Eddies have received five grants through CCF.

Earlier this year, a grant was awarded from the Microsoft Research Limited Fund to cover running costs of Group Activities sessions in the rurally deprived district of Fenland.

In 2014, a grant was awarded from the Outlook Fund to contribute towards the Young People's Befriending Scheme. The Young People’s Befriending Scheme uses volunteers to provide friendship and support for young people with learning disabilities aged 13 to 25, enabling them to socialise with someone other than a parent/ carer.  With this grant 55 young people have benefitted from being matched with a volunteer. On average a volunteer meets up with their befriendee once or twice a month. They participate in activities which have been selected and chosen by the young person.

Click Eddie's 'Thank You' to view a short film saying thank you to the volunteers of the Briefriending Scheme.

"For my son it is having a 1:1 relationship that is in no way dictated/guided by me."

In 2014, a grant was also awarded from the ESRI Charitable Fund for Cambridge towards the Family Support Service.  The Family Support service  is based in Cambridge but supports family carers of children with a learning disability right across the county. Most of the people they support are experiencing emotional and physical exhaustion due to the pressure of fulfilling their parental role and, in many cases, also financial hardship, social exclusion and worklessness as they simply do not have the time or capacity to socialise or work. 

“As a family it means that we can have a couple of hours’ respite where my husband and I can relax and have some time off from caring. It also means we can spend time with our two older children.”

In 2011, a High Sheriff's Award was given for the Young People's Befriending Scheme.

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