“We honestly can’t put into words how special it is.”
We’re Roger and Hazel Heal. Our son Matthew (Maff) joined the Keynsham Mencap Club 25 in September 2024, and it has truly transformed life for our whole family, including his twin sister Rachel and older brother Daniel.
Keynsham Mencap has been brilliant for Maff. We can see how much he enjoys himself and how much he looks forward to it each week. He might not always know the time or days, but he always knows when it’s Thursday – and he gets excited because it means Club 25. Maff doesn’t speak much, but once you get to know him, he can be understood. He also understands far more than people might expect.
The dedication of the staff and volunteers who work to make the Club a fun, engaging, and safe environment for every member is remarkable. It stands in stark contrast to Maff’s experience at the Special Needs School he attended from age 4 to 16, where his emotional and physical wellbeing was unfortunately not given the care it deserved.
Maff’s school experience sadly left him feeling anxious around other people, but with lots of patience, support, and hard work, we’re beginning to see our old Maff return – and it’s truly wonderful to see.
We’re incredibly fortunate to have a strong family support network for Maff. His uncle and auntie, Stan and Kathy, have spent a lot of time with him over the years and even took him on a trip of a lifetime to Florida, which he absolutely loved – especially the flights. Those longer trips really helped build his confidence, and ours too. Thanks to that, Roger and Rachel were able to take Maff to Switzerland in May this year.
Maff is part of Club 25 and has such a brilliant time there. On our very first evening, a couple of people came straight over to say hello to Maff. They’ve always been so kind to him and really taken him under their wing. Everyone there feels like good friends. We take Maff every week, and it’s always such a genuinely welcoming atmosphere. We’re so glad we gave it a try because it has opened the door to so many wonderful experiences and has given Maff so much.
Roger and Maff also really enjoyed the Keynsham Mencap holidays this year. They went to Devon and Cornwall and had a fantastic time taking part in lots of different activities.
Roger volunteers at Club 25 and one of the reasons is simply because it’s so much fun. Maff’s twin sister, Rachel, comes along from time to time when Roger isn’t available, and she loves it too. The club has become a place where the whole family feels welcome and involved, which makes the experience even more special.
Maff also started the Fitness Club in September. Which he absolutely loves, especially when everyone cheers when he scores a goal!
There are far too many activities to list, the variety is incredible. Every week brings something new, and Maff throws himself into it all. He especially loved tobogganing recently!
The club has made a huge difference, it’s truly amazing. It’s a fantastic club, and seeing Maff so happy means the world to us. The club has exceeded every expectation we ever had. We honestly can’t put into words how special it is.