Most of us take our everyday life skills for granted: learning, communication, reading, writing, and personal care. But unfortunately, not nearly everyone is blessed with these privileges. 

This realisation was made particularly clear during my experiences volunteering for Slough MENCAP, a relationship Eton College has cherished and maintained for >50 years. While interacting with the adults there, we were constantly reminded that most people don't possess the capacity to excel at a given number of things just because they were not allowed to do so. Our only consolation was that these individuals could meet together weekly and increase their physical and mental well-being through friendly interaction. No words can encapsulate the benefit these individuals gain from these weekly interactions. 

Unfortunately, the Slough Borough Council have closed all their day services to the detriment of those in Slough with learning disabilities. The ceasing of interactions and carers increases their sense of isolation. Any funds raised will go towards helping care for vulnerable people in their daily lives and maintaining Slough Mencap. 

Without Slough Mencap, not only will vulnerable people in the surrounding areas lose the support it offers, but Eton will lose an incredibly important experience for its students. We have heard from OEs who have spoken warmly about their time at Slough Mencap, with one OE stating, 'Looking back at those Friendly Club days, what struck me at the time and what remains with me, is the absolute non-judgemental warmth of acceptance we encountered. '

You will contribute positively to these vulnerable peoples' everyday lives by donating to Slough Mencap. Your funds will go towards helping care for these vulnerable people in their daily lives and open Slough's Mencap leisure centre again for a full two years. 

Torsai Kiernan, Ivan Kazakov-Kabli, and David Jin Li