Mencap Dive Challenge

[Jay]

Learning disability charity Mencap is looking for diving from diving groups in the North East to take part in its annual scuba diving event Dive Challenge.

The event, which is supported by world freediving champion Tanya Streeter and the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), takes place on the weekend of the 23-24 June 2007, to raise money to support people with a learning disability.

Dive teams can choose to make their dives at indoor or outdoor locations and can design a dive event to suit their team, experience and chosen dive site. Previous teams have visited a number of outdoor dive locations over a 24 hour period, whilst others have hosted themed diving parties.

Steve Riley, who took part in last year’s Dive Challenge, explains why he wanted to support the event: “I decided to take part in Mencap’s Dive Challenge because it gave me the chance to participate in a sport I love, whilst raising money to support the great work that Mencap does with people who have a learning disability. By getting your dive team involved you can help to raise awareness of Mencap’s work, whilst setting yourself and your team a great challenge.”

Mencap will support you throughout your Dive Challenge with tips on how to make both your dive and your fundraising a success. All we ask is that each diver raises a minimum of at least £50. Outstanding fundraisers will be awarded a special dive prize.

During Learning Disability Week, Mencap will launch an anti-bullying campaign; nearly all children with a learning disability are bullied, which has a devastating effect on their lives and can make them scared to go to school or take part in out of school activities. By taking part in Mencap’s Dive Challenge, you can make a real difference to the lives of children with a learning disability.

There are an estimated 1.5 million people in the UK with a learning disability and Mencap’s fundraising events help to raise money for people with a learning disability, their families and carers. Mencap believes that having a learning disability shouldn’t restrict a person’s rights to everyday things like a home of their own, education and employment opportunities or sports and leisure facilities.

• Learning Disability Week runs from 17th-24th June 2007 for more information please log-on to Mencap - The UK's leading learning disability charity
• Mencap is celebrating its sixtieth year in 2006/07. It is now the UK’s biggest learning disability charity. National and local events are taking place throughout the year. See Mencap 60 celebrations
• Mencap works with people with a learning disability and their families and carers.
• 1.5 million people in the UK have a learning disability.
• Learning disability affects someone's intellectual and social development all their life.
• It is not mental illness. It is not dyslexia.
• It used to be called mental handicap but we don't use this term anymore because most people with a learning disability find it offensive.
• People with a learning disability don't get an equal chance in life. That's why we fight to change laws and services, and directly support thousands of people to live their lives the way they want.
• For information about learning disability issues please call the Learning Disability Helpline (England) on 0808 808 1111 or visit www.askmencap.info
For online press information, go to Mencap - Press office

Go to Mencap Dive Challenge for even more fun ideas on how to enhance your dive challenge.

At Mencap, we have a dedicated support team to help you with any questions you may have. Just call 020 7696 5566 or email events@mencap.org.uk

Send your completed form to:
Mencap Dive Challenge
123 Golden Lane
London EC1Y 0RT