A CHARITY which has been helping people with learning difficulties in the Lowestoft area for almost half a century is being re-launched.A new committee of the Lowestoft Mencap is being formed and the charity has a number of ambitious projects in the coming weeks and months to help as many people as possible.

A CHARITY which has been helping people with learning difficulties in the Lowestoft area for almost half a century is being re-launched.

A new committee of the Lowestoft Mencap is being formed and the charity has a number of ambitious projects in the coming weeks and months to help as many people as possible.

David Betts, Chairman of Lowestoft Mencap, said: 'We are all very excited about the relaunch of Lowestoft Mencap. In particular we look forward to meeting and helping more local families who are affected by learning difficulties.

'The charity is committed to improving the quality of life of children and adults with learning difficulties by providing them with the best support and advice.'

Mr Betts said Lowestoft Mencap was proud of its long history of helping people and was determined that it would continue to serve the community for many years to come.

'We are also aiming to support parents and carers, giving them the opportunity to find out about help and services which are available to them locally, whether it be help with the funding of equipment or grants which may be available to them,' he said.

'I would also like to reiterate the need for more committee members to join us, to be a success we need help from the public, to champion the aims of the charity and engage with the communities across Lowestoft.'

Everyone is welcome to become a supporter of Lowestoft Mencap whether they have an association with a person with a learning disability or not.

The services that Lowestoft Mencap provides include:

Making grants to individuals and organisations

Providing advice and holding regular service events

The charity, which is affiliated to Royal Mencap, also campaigns on issues to help people with learning difficulties and publishes a quarterly newsletter.

The Lowestoft Mencap office is at 20a Suffolk Road, Lowestoft and is open 9am to 1pm on a Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

Anyone who would like to become a committee member or help in any way is asked to contact the office during opening hours or telephone 01502 539810.

Events being organised by Lowestoft Mencap include coffee mornings at the Ark Children's Centre, Water Lane, Lowestoft, on Tuesdays from 9.30am to 11am.