A CHARITY that helps people with learning disabilities has re-launched with a new name.

Formerly known as the Winchester and District Mencap Society, the charity held a re-launch event on Friday (March 28) at the Discovery Centre to celebrate becoming Winchester Go LD.

Previously affiliated with the Royal Mencap society which works nationally, and the Blue Apple Theatre Company which gives people with learning disabilities the opportunity to act, the charity has decided to go it alone in a bid to become more recognisable as a singular organisation.

Chair of trustees, Kevin Stevens, said the move will allow them to utilise their funds more positively.

“Blue Apple has been very successful, and came out of the Winchester and District Mencap Society when we started a drama club,” he said.

“We started to find that when we were fundraising, it wasn’t clear who we were fundraising for, and we had to apply for grants as one charity and then divide the money between us.

“The reason for the re-launch and new name is two-fold. One, to disaffiliate ourselves with the other two charities, and two, to help people with disabilities in terms of the work place.

“A lot of people with learning disabilities that have so much more talent and they could be employed in an organisation and do a fantastic job, and they just need that level of support. That is our ambition.”

The Mayor of Winchester, Cllr Ernie Jeffs, and Mayoress Barbara Jeffs attended, with Cllr Jeffs saying the rebranding was ‘a great idea’.

“It was most enjoyable meeting the chairman Kevin Stevens and some of the young people whose lives are enhanced by the fantastic work of the charity.”