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.
This August we're focusing on fun and joy in the summer, whether that's summer celebrations, parties, picnics or more. We'll be sharing our favourite tracks from the MacIntyre Happiness Playlist on Spotify. Do you think there are some tracks we're missing? Message us: marketing@macintyrecharity.org.
Summer offers plenty of opportunities to slow down and notice the world around us. Whether it's the colours in a garden, the sound of rain on the window, laughter shared with friends, or the feeling of fresh air on a walk, taking a moment to be fully present can help us feel more connected to ourselves and our surroundings.
The Pay Attention element of the Five Ways to Wellbeing is about noticing the present moment with curiosity rather than rushing past it. It doesn't require special equipment or lots of free time, just a willingness to pause. This month, why not take a few moments each day to appreciate something you might otherwise overlook? Those small pauses can help reduce stress, lift our mood and remind us that wellbeing is often found in the everyday moments we so easily miss.
This month we’re bringing our 60th anniversary celebrations to life in purple, MacIntyre’s colour, and a symbol of pride, connection and belonging across our organisation.
Across June, we’re inviting everyone to get involved: wear purple, add purple to your spaces, share purple moments, and help us celebrate the people and teams who make MacIntyre what it is.
The month also leads into our flagship staff celebration, the Marjorie Newton Wright Awards, a chance to recognise colleagues whose commitment and impact shine through every day.
Share your purple moments on your local Facebook page!
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 a Milton Keynes team prepares to open a new community space in Beanhill. To be called Café Bean, of course.
In which Sohail raises funds for a local hospice and for a gift for his friend.
Sui Ling chats with Ruby, a student on work experience with the Best Practice Team
In part 2 of our therapy mini-series, we explore how the therapy team works alongside teachers, families and residential staff teams, to support Matthew
Join us for this year's MacFest, our annual event in Warrington
Come and join us for a community fun day in Milton Keynes
Come and join us at this year's annual Live in the Park festival in Aylesbury
Join us by running or walking in the Linford Wood parkrun in September