As MacIntyre turns 60, we wonder if Ken and Marjorie Newton Wright, our founders, could have imagined back in 1966 that the small school they started in Bedfordshire would grow to a national charity supporting over 1400 children, young people and adults.
But they were visionary and determined people, doing something radically new: treating children with a learning disability as if they had value and potential. This was unusual in days when life for people with learning disabilities would be in an institution. So we think perhaps they could see the long-term promise of the fledgling charity they founded all those years ago.
We're doing a number of things to celebrate our anniversary this year, with an overarching theme of kindness. In a polarised world, simple kindness is more important than ever, so we are starting with our 60 Acts of Kindness Bingo Cards. The idea is that you download a card, start filling it in, carry on throughout the year and let us know in December how you got on.
In May we’re getting moving with ‘Miles for MacIntyre’. There are events planned around the country. In Greater Manchester they’ll be walking together every Friday in May. In Warrington a ‘Walk, Wheel or Run a Mile’ event is taking place at the Warrington Wolves stadium. In Milton Keynes, there's a Wellness Walk, a ParkRun takeover, and a Dance around the Lake.
Keep an eye out on your local MacIntyre Facebook page for events near you this month.
It's National Tea Day on 21 April - what better time to celebrate Britain's favourite hot drink!
During April, we're celebrating our 60th anniversary by hosting tea parties (and the occasional breakfast party) around MacIntyre.
We're planning these to be warm and welcoming events where families, staff, and people who draw on support can come together to share stories, build connections, and enjoy each other's company over a comforting cup of tea and a delicious slice (or two!) of cake.
(MacIntyre staff: log in to our intranet to access the section below where you can download invites, recipes and everything you need to run a successful tea party.)
March's theme to celebrate MacIntyre's 60th Anniversary is 'Learning'
We're putting this in the context of the Five Ways to Wellbeing, and how learning can improve mental health and self-esteem.
What would you like to try that you never have before? Here are a few suggestions:
What can you think of?
February's theme to celebrate MacIntyre's 60th Anniversary is 'Connect' We're putting this in the context of the Five Ways to Wellbeing.
What could you do to connect? Here are a few suggestions:
In which students and staff from MacIntyre No Limits™ in Abingdon come together to raise money for a local mental health charity.
Meet Zander, a young person in his second year at No Limits in Bedford, and find out how he has been supported to find his place and try different things…
Our Employees of the Month for April, and what makes them so special
Sui Ling chats with John Munnelly, Distribution Director at John Lewis
An ARC England online virtual training workshop in association with MacIntyre’s award-winning Dying To Talk team.
Join us for this special online event - more details to come!
An ARC England online virtual training workshop in association with MacIntyre’s award-winning Dying To Talk team.
The Dementia Special Interest Group is open to anyone who would benefit from sharing experiences arising from the changing needs of people with dementia.