CO-OP FUNERAL CARE is hosting a ‘Big Tea Party’ in Ewloe for the UK charity, Mencap, to raise awareness and funds for those with learning disabilities.

While tea, cakes, and Easter activities for the family will be available to everyone who attends the event at Highway Methodist Church Hall on Saturday April 13, it is hoped that the Mencap Big Tea Party brings increased awareness to the community about learning disabilities.

There are approximately 1.4 million people in the United Kingdom with a learning disability of some kind, and at least 500 in Flintshire that are known to social services.

Through this event, though, Mencap are hoping to raise money to help continue supporting those with learning disabilities, as well as their families and carers, while also aiming to eradicate social prejudice against them.

Laura Bruce, Area Fundraising Manager for Mencap, said: “The support from Co-Op Funeral Care has been amazing. They are not only helping us to raise vital funds for people with a learning disability, they’re helping us to raise awareness.

“People with a learning disability still face stigma and discrimination, (but) with support from local businesses like Co-Op, they are helping us to reduce this.”

Co-Op Funeral Arranger, Helen Gillard, is organising the event, and adds: “We want to support this wonderful charity by hosting a Tea Party as learning disability is close to my heart. We invite the community to attend our event and support us.”

Co-Op Food Store, which is located next to Co-Op Funeral Care, is also supporting the Big Tea Party by making food donations on the day.

Mencap’s Big Tea Party begins at 1:30pm at Highway Methodist Church Hall on April 13, 2019 and is free for anyone to attend.

If you would like to donate any refreshments to the event, please contact laura.bruce@mencap.org.uk.

Mencap currently works to assist thousands of people with learning disabilities to live their lives how they would like to.

The charity supports those with a learning disability, their families and carers by fighting to change laws, improve services and access to education, employment and leisure facilities.

For further information or advice about learning disabilities, visit www.mencap.org.uk or call 0808 808 1111 (9am-5pm, Monday-Friday).