Lifelong President
- Mrs M Polack
- Chairman
- Mr A M Chilvers
- Vice Chairman
- Ms M Solomon
- Secretary/Treasurer
- Mr G Peters
- Assistant Treasurer
- Ms J Hepwood
- Committee Members
- Mrs P Bhogal
- Mrs P Davies
- Mrs J Hunt
- Mrs S Roberts
- Mrs J Silvester
- Mrs J Vanstone
- Mr B Laybourne
- Mrs T O’Hara (also Gateway Club Leader)
- Associate Member
- Ms Isolin Stevens
- Administrator
- TBA
- Patrons
- Mr Rob Marris
- Mr A Morris MBE
Margaret Polack – Lifelong President
Ruth Pursehouse and Margaret founded Mencap Wolverhampton in 1969 (see History). Margaret and her family have supported Mencap Wolverhampton ever since. However, earlier this year Margaret’s health deteriorated and she suffered a fall and consequently is now living in a residential care home. She felt that, under these circumstances, she was no longer able to contribute to meetings in the same way as she has over the past 47+ years. Therefore, she felt that she should resign from her place on the Executive Committee and her position as President of Mencap Wolverhampton. However, in recognition of the huge contribution Margaret has made to Mencap Wolverhampton, the Executive Committee unanimously agreed that she should be invited to become Lifelong President without the onerous duties of attending meetings. Of course, if Margaret should wish to come along to future meetings of the Executive Committee the door will always be open for her.
Tony Chilvers – Chairman
I moved to Wolverhampton in 1970 to take up the post of Head Teacher of Westcroft Special School. I had previously been teaching in Coventry, working in Secondary Schools and Special Schools. I remained at Westcroft until I retired in 2003, dedicating my working life to supporting pupils with special educational needs. On my retirement I was invited to join the MENCAP Wolverhampton Executive Committee. I have been the Chairman of the Committee for the past five years.
I believe it is of vital importance that people of all ages who have learning disabilities, alongside their parents and carers, need a strong supportive organisation with a voice to ensure society understands their needs. In this present economic climate restraints and cutbacks are seriously affecting the educational and social opportunities for all those with learning disabilities. MENCAP Wolverhampton will strive to ensure their voice is heard to defend the rights of their Members, to protect vital services and to plan future educational and social activities.
Gerry Peters – treasurer
Mary Solomon – Vice Chairman
I joined Mencap wolverhampton and was a member of the Executive Committee until I became an employee of RMS. Following the re-structure of RMS I am no longer employed by them and once again became a member of the Executive Committee for Mencap Wolverhampton. I too am a parent of a young person with a learning disability.
Jill Hepwood – Asst. Treasurer
I am a retired teacher and a parent of a person with a learning disability.
Members of the Executive Committee
Pam Bhogal
I was the Gateway Award Officer until June 2014. I still attend the Gateway club as a volunteer and joined the Mencap Executive Committee in January 2015.
Pauline Davies
I am a parent of a young person with learning disabilities and a volunteer with Wolverhampton Gateway Club.
June Hunt
I have been married for 27 years and have three grown-up children. Both of my daughters were diagnosed with a range of learning difficulties from an early age.
For many years I have served as a governor of a local special school and for the past four years have been a member of the Mencap Wolverhampton Executive Committee. I am also proud to be a member of the highly successful Gateway Wolverhampton which continues to grow in strength.
In my spare time I love to read, murder mysteries being my favourite. I swim three times a week and am currently being driven crazy by my ancestors as I trace my family tree.
Sophie Roberts
My name is Sophie Roberts and I have been on the Mencap Committee for over 20years. I have a daughter Rebecca who has Down’s Syndrome and ASD.
I was involved with the Luncheon Club for older carers that ran for many years. We are hoping to start a new group for carers to meet for lunch and chat at a garden centre once a month.
I enjoy planning events and hope to do another disco this year.
I enjoy being part of a local group and find the information that comes through Mencap very useful.
Jacky Silvester
I have been a member of the Executive Committee for longer than I care to remember and I am also Chair of Special Olympics Wolverhampton.
Bill Laybourne
After 25 years working in social housing in Wolverhampton and many years working alongside Wolverhampton Mencap I finally joined the Committee in 2015. I have a special interest in ensuring everyone has access to a suitable home and the opportunity to live as fulfilling and independent a life as possible.
PHOTO – to Follow
Jan Vanstone
Liz Pentecost
Administrator for Mencap Wolverhampton
I joined Mencap Wolverhampton six years ago and I deal with all correspondence, membership enquiries and arrange meetings of the Executive Committee. In addition, I also attend (volunteer) the Gateway Club when possible.
PHOTO – To Follow
Trudy O’Hara
Gateway Club Leader
