Sutton Mencap has been awarded over £100,000 from the City of London Corporation’s charity, City Bridge Trust. The money will boost its community-based activities for young adult with learning disabilities and improve their access-to-employment opportunities.

Over the past 15 years, Sutton Mencap has worked in partnership with around 1,000 local disabled people, supporting them to live independently by developing their practical and social skills.

This new project takes forward existing services and tackles social isolation for unemployed young adult with learning disabilities, helping them from falling through the cracks in the benefits system.

The grant is to recruit a Community Activities Project Manager to develop small-scale, independent friendship groups for 40 young adult each year. He or she will also set up joint activities with other community groups with similar needs, enabling young people access training and local employment services.

Dave Hobday, Director of Sutton Mencap, said:

“We are delighted to receive this grant from City Bridge Trust. This grant will enable Sutton Mencap to support younger adults with a learning disability to develop their social lives, make friends and play a greater part in their local communities. With the support of City Bridge Trust, we hope to make a genuine, lasting difference to people’s lives.”

Jeremy Mayhew, Chairman of City Bridge Trust, said:

“Individuals with learning disabilities may face long-term disadvantage including social isolation and poverty. Sutton Mencap’s project will empower young people with disabilities to broaden their social network and make the most of local activities and services. Crucially, it will improve their independence and self-confidence, ensuring a smoother transition into adulthood.”

City Bridge Trust is the grant-making arm of Bridge House Estates, whose sole trustee is the City of London Corporation. It supports London charities and provides grants totalling around £15 million annually. 2015 marks 20 years since the City Bridge Trust was established.

Notes to editors:

Media enquiries: Julie Zhu, Media Officer, City of London Corporation

T 020 7332 3451

E julie.zhu@cityoflondon.gov.uk

About the City of London CorporationThe City of London Corporation has three roles: we support London’s communities by working in partnership with neighbouring boroughs on economic regeneration and skills projects. The Corporation supports education - with three independent schools and three City Academies – plus a primary school and the world-renowned Guildhall School of Music and Drama. We also help look after key London heritage and green spaces including Tower Bridge, Museum of London, Barbican Arts Centre, City gardens, Hampstead Heath, Epping Forest, Burnham Beeches, and important ‘commons’ in south London. And – with its heart in London’s Square Mile - we also support and promote the ‘City’ as a world-leading financial and business hub, with outward and inward business delegations, high-profile civic events, research-driven policies and a long-term approach. See www.cityoflondon.gov.uk for much more on our uniquely diverse role, including the City of London Police, etc.

The City of London Corporation’s charity, the City Bridge Trust, makes grants totaling around £15 million annually to charitable projects across London. More information can be found at www.citybridgetrust.org.uk.