Launching this Learning Disability Week, we're asking for help to create new opportunities for people with a learning disability in Ashford.

Later this year, East Kent Mencap will open a brand new hub at the historic Kennington Parish Room. This will be much more than a building. It will be a place where people can make friends, learn new skills, gain confidence, improve their wellbeing and feel part of their community.

For many people with a learning disability, opportunities to socialise and access activities can be limited. Too many people experience loneliness and isolation. Having a welcoming local hub can make a life-changing difference, providing a place where people are valued, supported and able to thrive.

Kennington Parish Room has been an important community space for generations. As work has progressed, we've discovered that the building requires careful restoration to ensure it is safe, accessible and welcoming for everyone who will use it. We're taking the time to get this right so that it can continue serving the community for many years to come.

Thanks to generous capital funding, the restoration work is underway. Now we need your help to transform the space into a vibrant community hub.

We're aiming to raise £700 to furnish and equip the hub before it opens. Your donation will help provide furniture, creative resources, games, wellbeing activities and practical equipment that will enable people to take part in meaningful activities, build friendships and develop greater independence.

Here's what your support can do:

£10 could buy essential craft materials for creative activities

£25 could buy a hand mixer for baking and cooking sessions

£50 could help stock the hub with accessible sensory equipment and games

£100 could buy a table where members can learn, create and socialise together