Mencap has been keeping its members fit and socially active in lockdown with a range of virtual events in Bexley and Dartford.

The charity, which helps adults with learning disabilities to live independently, has been arranging quizzes, art challenges and numerous competitions.

Bexley Mencap usually runs weekly social groups and day trips but the government's lockdown measures has made it more difficult to arrange such events.

"Most of our work was either carried out on a one to one basis, or in groups at our office, or else through support workers visiting people in their own homes," explains Bexley Mencap chief officer, Kara Lee.

"The coronavirus outbreak changed that and so we've had to work out how we can provide same service but in a new and different way."

She says the charity has recently seen an increase in demand for its services in Bexley where it is based as well as neighbouring areas.

Several members and staff live in Dartford and North Kent and have been looking to the group in the absence of one in their area.

In response, Bexley Mencap has launched an expanded social media service including a revamped Facebook page.

Each day a timetable sets out the numerous quizzes, photos competitions and art challenges on offer.

Everything from dance to music videos is accounted for with many of the activities put together by the staff themselves.

"It's been great to see so many members posting comments and taking such an enthusiastic part in all the activities online," says Kara.

"Members have been suggesting ideas themselves of what they'd like to see, and sending photos in, so there's no shortage of material!", she adds.

There's also a range of practical information available for families on the latest government and public health guidelines.

People with a learning disability are seven times as likely as their non-disabled peers to be lonely, according to research from the charity.

Many people with a learning disability also fall into the government's vulnerable category during lockdown which means many are housebound, live with older carers or are on their own with no support network.

Bexley Mencap has helped deliver more than 100 care and food boxes and provides a home shopping delivery service.

There's an emotional support helpline for carers and regular welfare calls too.

Plans are being rolled out to provide IT training and tablets to members and families who weren't connected or active on social media before.

Kara says its been a challenge at times to set people up on Zoom, giving instructions online.

But she said it was well worth it when they managed to set ten members of their young people's group up who had not "seen" each other since the start of lockdown.

"Not only have members learnt new skills, but they are also now less socially isolated - and it's had a positive impact on their own health and wellbeing and for their carers."

Another way in which Mencap is keeping its members in touch is through outdoors virtual events.

In the past, members have taken part in Parkruns at Danson Park in Bexleyheath and Central Park, Dartford, as well as football games at Dartford FC's Princes Park stadium.

But with social distancing measures in place the team has had to be more creative, devising virtual events instead.

One such example was the recent 2.6 Marathon Challenge on Sunday 26 April in which members walked, cycled or ran and together racked up more than 60 miles.

Another Mencap team member, Steve, took his horse, Leo, out on a 2.6m walk in the countryside around Meopham.

They raised more than £1,400 in the process which will go towards making more activity packs for families who aren't able to access their usual services at this time.

Kara added: "Following social distancing rules proved no barrier to our team who came up with lots of novel and exciting ways to get involved with our challenge."

Bexley Mencap is still available to offer help and support to individuals and families by telephone and email. Find out more about its work here.

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