HISTORY OF MENPHYS

Caring for local children and young people with disabilities...supporting the family.

Menphys was founded by Audrey Smith MBE in 1970 with the provision of a playgroup that met at Douglas Bader House on Saturday mornings. The play group was originally run by volunteers and offered a range of activities including holidays.

The next development was the provision of a nursery centre housed in a portakabin that opened in 1974 and offered developmental day care to 12 children aged between birth and 3 years. The specialist nursery eventually moved to purpose built premises in 1977 at the current site on Launceston Road, Wigston. In 1987 the authorities recognised the work of Menphys and, in partnership, developed a more educational approach to children with disabilities aged 2 to 5 years.

A second specialist nursery was opened in Burbage in 1992 at a cost of £630,000 and was handed over to the Leicestershire Education Department. The nursery originally formed part of the Sketchley Hill Primary School but is now a centre in its own right. Both nurseries have over 30 children on role of whom 20 attend on any one day.

In 1994 Menphys took on the role of providing an independent support and information service to parents in the community. This has now expanded to 3 offices – Leicester City, Hinckley and Melton Mowbray. Again the authorities recognised the quality of the work undertaken by Menphys and the Special Outreach Service now plays a major role in the planning and coordination of services for children and young people.

Menphys always seeks to be responsive to current needs and in 2007 opened a purpose built unit for pupils with autism which is part of the nursery in Wigston. This development received tremendous support through a Leicester Mercury Funding campaign. It was also supported by Blaby Meridian Rotary Club, the Chamber of Commerce, DHL, Glebe Garden Centre and local grant making trusts.

During all this activity the cornerstone of Menphys – the playgroup – has not stood still. It now employs a dedicated team of staff and supports over 40 club members. In line with current thinking the clubs are now known as Menphys Sport, Play and Leisure and are a separate but closely connected association.