Brown Turner Ross solicitors has announced Mencap Liverpool as its chosen charity. Andrew Wright reports.

The Merseyside based law firm, which has offices in Liverpool, Southport and Birkenhead, is set to become a corporate partner with Mencap Liverpool for the next 12 months.

Initially, the firm will donate £200, followed by a 12 month programme of support that will include paying for the travel costs of one volunteer, organising fundraising events and underwriting elements of charity events organised by Mencap Liverpool.

Mencap Liverpool is a small independent charity run by local people. Although affiliated with, it is not funded by national Mencap and therefore must raise its own funds. A team of six staff, supported by 30 volunteers, work with people in local communities with learning disabilities.

Dave Bushell, managing director at Brown Turner Ross has a personal link with Mencap Liverpool, he has a sister who lives with a learning disability and is a passionate supporter of the work the charity does. He commented: “The work that Mencap Liverpool does makes a real difference to people in our communities, people who rely on their services to live their day to day lives.

“Mencap Liverpool is a charity that is dear to my heart. As the brother of a person with a learning disability, I have seen first hand how challenging life can be at times. Brown Turner Ross is proud to be working with Mencap Liverpool and helping to ensure they continue to provide the life-changing support that people rely on.”

Sarah Jones, CEO of Mencap Liverpool, said: “As a small charity, the support of Brown Turner Ross will make a big difference to what we can achieve over the next year. It is great to have such a major local firm involved at this level and I am really excited about the partnership.”

Most of the people who use Mencap Liverpool, which can up to 150 people a year, do not receive any support from the local council and often need help to navigate the problems of everyday life. Without support, many people become isolated and increasingly vulnerable to loneliness, poor health, poverty, debt, hate crime and exploitation.

Mencap Liverpool provides outreach support to help individuals access the services and support they need, through a range of social activities, a befriending project, workshops, volunteering and training opportunities.