Job Overview

Apply now Our vision is for that for the next generation of young people; mutual friendships can be formed by people with and without learning disabilities. Did you know that 1 in 3 young people with a learning disability report to leave the house for less than an hour a day on a Saturday? 9 out of 10 children and adults with learning disabilities report that they have been the target of bullying, half have expressed they experienced verbal abuse and a quarter experience physical violence' Mencap (2000) We want to end stigma and discrimination experienced by people with a learning disability. The role of Young People Programme Manager will be central to making this a reality. What will you do? The Young person's Programme Manager will oversee projects that deliver against Mencap's BIG Plan, that focus reducing social isolation and reducing stigma for the next generation of young people. Projects will include, but not be restrictive to, the Inclusive Schools Project (Mencap's All IN Award), and Gig Buddies both of which are multi-site projects reaching young people aged 8-13 on the All In Award and 18-30 through Gig Buddies with and without learning disabilities. The Inclusive Schools project reports strategically to Mencap's work around tackling Stigma and Discrimination whilst Gig Buddies delivers against the Friendships and Relationships priority. The post holder will ensure that all projects are being delivered on time, in budget, are reaching the requirements of funding and are reporting to Mencap's BIG Plan, and specifically achieving the following aims: Increased awareness and positive attitudes of children without a learning disability to those withIncreased friendships and connections between children and young people with and without a learning disabilityIncreased choice and control over the activities people with a learning disability access and the friends they haveIncreased wellbeing and reduced social isolation for people with a learning disability The programme manager will lead operational delivery for projects that deliver on these aims, working closely with the development manager to develop the portfolio: Mencap Inclusive Schools Project (All In Award) creates an inclusive activity club for people aged 8-13. The first rule of the All In Award is: nobody is left out, everyone is welcomed, valued and included. Group members work and play together, achieving common goals, taking part in exciting activities. Building a team to learn new skills for the future. Managing the Inclusive Schools project involvesextending the existing inclusive schools project by account managing the relationship with Vanquis Bank to extend delivery to 21 schools in London, Kent and Bradford. They will manage the relationship with University College London to evaluate, learn from and develop the model, and work with the development manager and fundraising team to secure further funding for delivery and scale the model. Your role as the manager of the Gig Buddies project involves, overseeing the successful roll out of Mencap's new nightlife project; which enables 18-30 year olds with and without learning disabilities to form friendships, based on mutual interests to access activities in the community that are evening or nightlife based. Current delivery sites, where coordinators are employed for Gig Buddies are Norwich, Long Eaton/ Nottingham and the soon to launch Gig Buddies project in the East Ridings of Yorkshire. This project is delivered nationally in partnership with the charity Stay Up Late and locally with Mencap teams, Mencap's Network Partners and learning disability charities. You will need to work to work collaboratively across teams and stakeholders to deliver this programme to meet both the local and national needs. Mencap's Best Buddy volunteering project offers young people in Cornwall, with and without learning disabilities the chance to make meaningful friendships, through taking part in fun activities together, so far they have been to festivals, trips to London and on camping trips - to name but a few activities. Your role will be to project manage the project coordinator and work with teams at Mencap to measure the impact, promote the work that Mencap does and work with the development manager and fundraising team to grow the funding for the project. We are looking for someone who is as passionate as we are to ensure that young people with a learning disability have the right skills and support to have friendships, social opportunities and evening and nightlife activities. You will have the opportunity to work in partnership drive through this change across Mencap and in the schools, arts and leisure sectors. You will need to have a background in project management as well as an understanding around learning disability. You will also need to be confident and comfortable to liaise with internal and external stakeholders to positively challenge and bring about change. You need to be able to manage budgets, manage people and oversee evaluation. If you feel you have what it takes to be our Young People's Programme Manager, please apply using your CV and a covering letter. ID 12265

Key Requirements

Learning Disabilities Project Management Young People Group Activities Social Inclusion