About Us
Genesis Orwell Mencap is a local charity that provides adult learning disability services. From our Genesis centre in Ipswich, we offer day care for adults with special needs, complex disabilities and profound and multiple learning disabilities.
30 Years of Empowering Lives, Crafting Legacies
With over 30 years of experience supporting adults with learning disabilities, Genesis Orwell Mencap is proud to provide a welcoming, inclusive and well-equipped day service at our Wright Road site in Ipswich.
From individuals who enjoy greater independence to those with complex care and support needs, we recognise that everyone is different, and that’s exactly how we approach our care.
Our focus is on building confidence, encouraging independence and creating meaningful opportunities through stimulating activities, practical skills development and social experiences.
Our Services
Something for Everyone
At Genesis Orwell Mencap, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, socialise and enjoy life in their own way.
From engaging daytime activities and community outings to our popular Thursday Social Club, Green Bike Project and Genesis Garden Furniture Workshop, we offer a wide range of opportunities designed around different interests, abilities and support needs.
“From trying something new to developing lifelong skills, every achievement matters here at Genesis
Want to discover what Genesis has to offer? Get in touch with our friendly team to learn more about our day services or arrange a visit to see Genesis for yourself.
Our History
Our Story – From 1993 to Today
Over 30 Years of Making a Difference
Every great story has a beginning, and ours started back in 1993.
Originally known as Orwell Patterns for Living, we began with a simple goal: to provide meaningful opportunities for adults with learning disabilities through practical, work-based training.
Our first venture was making garden furniture, a project that has grown and developed into what we now proudly call our Genesis Garden Furniture Workshop.
But we weren’t stopping there!
Growing, Changing and Creating Opportunities
In 1999, we moved to our current site in Ipswich, giving us the space to develop our services and create even more opportunities for the people we support.
As the years passed, so did our ambitions.
In 2009, we launched the Green Bike Project, allowing adults with learning disabilities to develop practical skills through refurbishing and recycling bicycles.
Then, in 2018, we opened our wheelchair-accessible, sensory-friendly American-style diner, creating a welcoming space where customers can enjoy food, socialise and spend time together. Although our diner is no longer American theme it is still a vital cog in our daily routine.
And our development hasn’t stopped. Over the years, we’ve continued to improve our facilities, introduce new activities and adapt our services to meet the changing needs of our customers.
More Than Just a Day Service
At Genesis Orwell Mencap, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, make friends and enjoy life, regardless of their abilities.
We also know that no two people are the same.
Some of our customers are confident and independent, while others need more hands-on support. Some communicate through conversation, while others express themselves in different ways. Some enjoy busy, practical activities, while others prefer a quieter, more relaxed environment.
That’s what makes Genesis special. We don’t expect people to fit into our services. We work to make our services fit the people who use them.
From gardening, woodwork, and cycling to arts and crafts, cooking, social activities, and community outings, we provide a wide range of opportunities tailored to individual interests, abilities, and goals.
Your Choices. Your Independence. Your Life
We believe good support should empower people, not take away their independence.
Whether someone needs one-to-one assistance, support within a group or simply a little encouragement to try something new, our dedicated and trained staff are there to help.
We listen to our customers, respect their choices and encourage them to be involved in decisions about their daily lives.
Our aim is simple: to help every individual achieve as much as possible while feeling safe, respected, valued and included.
We also provide our own transport services, helping customers access Genesis and take part in activities beyond our centre.
Working Together to Make a Bigger Difference
We know that great things happen when people work together.
Over the years, we’ve built relationships with local businesses, charities, volunteers and community organisations that help us improve our facilities, develop new opportunities and make a positive difference.
These partnerships are an important part of our story, and we look forward to building many more.
We are also affiliated with Mencap, the national learning disability charity, and share its commitment to improving the lives of people with learning disabilities.
Our Story Is Still Being Written
From a small work-based training project in 1993 to the busy, welcoming day service we are today, one thing has never changed: our commitment to the people we support.
More than 30 years later, we’re still learning, still growing and still finding new ways to make a difference.
And the best part? There’s still so much more to come.
Empowering Lives, Crafting Legacies.
Want to Discover More About Genesis?
Whether you’re looking for day services for an adult with learning disabilities, exploring opportunities to volunteer or interested in supporting our charity, we’d love to hear from you.
Get in touch to arrange a visit and discover what makes Genesis Orwell Mencap such a special place.
