Our Purpose & History

Our purpose is defined in our Vision, Mission and Values. These shape what we do and how we do it

Our Vision

To enable people with disabilities, primarily those with a learning disability to lead full and independent lives.

Our Mission Statement

To champion the rights and provide support to people with disabilities, primarily those with a learning disability and their families, carers and supporters. We will achieve this through a range of opportunities and services in the Worthing and surrounding area to enable them to lead independent lives engaging fully in the local community.

Our Values

Informed by our members
Respect all people
Challenge wrong ways of thinking about disability
Transform lives
Confident and develop new ideas whilst growing peoples strength
Inclusive encompassing all abilities

Our History

Worthing Mencap was established in 1958 by a group of parents wishing to improve the services available for their children with learning disabilities.

These determined parents worked tirelessly to ensure that Worthing was a better place for people with a learning disability and other associated disabilities. The trustees and supporters raised funds to help local clubs, schools and play schemes for our beneficiaries in the area.

The charity managed to purchase a house on Littlehampton Road, which was used as a holiday let for people with a learning disability who visited from across the country.

The house on Littlehampton Road was sold in 1985, with the proceeds paying for a large plot of land in Ferring to develop a horse-riding school. This project soon became Ferring Country Centre and branched off as a very successful local charity in its own right.

In the 1980’s the annual Sport and Fun day started at Worthing Leisure Centre, giving a day of activities to people with disabilities of all ages. This event still takes place every year in June.

When a home in Rustington (Abbotswood) closed down, a beach hut on Littlehampton seafront was gifted to Worthing Mencap. The beach hut was hired out for fun days out at the beach. Read more about our Sports & Activities.

In 2005, Worthing Mencap purchased a shop on South Farm Road, with the vision of turning this into an information centre. Through lots of volunteer effort the transformation from a butchers to an information centre took place and Buddys was established. With a successful National Lottery Grant Worthing Mencap were able to employee their first members of staff. Very quickly Buddys evolved from information centre to include a café. See more about Buddys Cafe

Buddys started running various clubs across the week including a retirement club, college club and Buddys Friendship Group. West Sussex County Council provide funding to pilot and develop our information service, then called My Network. This model was later adopted across West Sussex and forms a key part of the authority’s social care offer for people with a Lifelong Disability to this day.

Buddys was also open to the public Thursday – Saturday offering a nice lunch menu and work experience for people with a learning disability.

In 2012 we expanded our presence on South Farm Road, opening a charity shop a few doors along from Buddys café. After a successful few years this shop moved into a bigger building moved next door to Buddys.

In 2019, Worthing Mencap sold the beach hut to help fund a refurbishment of Buddys. Driven forward by a parent of a person we support, many trades and local businesses offered their services for free or heavily discounted rates. Bringing Buddys in line with the facilities you would find in a high street café.

Alongside the refurbishment we formalised our work experience offer, moving to formal training placements for people with a learning disability or autism. Read more about our Work & Life Skills

During the uncertain time of the Covid-19 pandemic, we had to shut our doors but our services continued delivering meals and shopping to those in need. Whilst offering online social clubs and socially distanced get togethers when allowed. Our connection to the people we support was vital throughout the pandemic.

Since 2020, we have continued to grow as a charity adding more and more social, exercise, employment and support services to our local offer.

To keep up with our growth we successfully converted into a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in 2025.

We currently occupy three buildings on our parade of shops on South Farm Road, have a full and varied weekly timetable of opportunities and make a difference to the lives of over 800 people in need each year in our area.

To donate or get involved with our incredible local charity fill out this form or click the donate button below.

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