Sheffield Mencap & Gateway launched its annual ‘Rock Your Socks’ campaign this month, aimed at raising awareness and funding for individuals with learning disabilities, especially for Down’s Syndrome.
Coinciding with World Down’s Syndrome Day on 21 March, the initiative encourages the public to wear eye-catching socks to highlight the genetic condition characterised by an extra copy of chromosome 21.
Carol Cook, Marketing, Communications and Fundraising manager at Sheffield Mencap & Gateway, said: “We encourage people to do something that seems insignificant like wearing bright coloured socks but it is a really good way to start conversation.
“With more people in Sheffield out and about with bright and eye-catching socks on, we hope more people can notice it.”
This year’s campaign is the second one with wider participation. They partnered with University of Sheffield, Sheffield Theatres, Department of Work and Pensions, different local schools and businesses.
Sheffield Mencap & Gateway hope to get wider publicity through this campaign.
Ms Cook said: “Something that is really important to me is to increase the visibility of the charity, and Sheffield learning disability community as a whole.
“It is really important we are challenging historical perception where people with learning disabilities were almost separated from society.”
Participation in ‘Rock Your Socks’ is open to everyone, with a variety of engagement options by taking part in competitions and challenges. Individuals, schools, workplaces, and clubs are encouraged to host a special day where participants wear funky socks alongside a suggested donation.
Funds raised through ‘Rock Your Socks’ events are critical for continuing the support services provided by Sheffield Mencap & Gateway for individuals with learning disabilities.
They are currently running different clubs and groups for children and groups for adults running in the evening and over the weekend. To deliver these groups, they rely entirely on fundraising income. All the funds from this event will go to support running those groups.
For those interested in participating or contributing, you can donate following this link.
You can also text ‘sheffieldmencap socks’ to 88802.You can set up your own fundraising page through Just Giving.