Burview Hall - Home to Elmbridge Mencap
“It is such a lovely building, and it has everything that anyone could ever want here. We are very proud”
Burview Hall on Queen’s Road, Hersham has been home to Elmbridge Mencap for the past 56 years. Mencap use the hall to run regular activities and social clubs for people with learning disabilities and their families. Their Family Fun sessions are particularly popular, providing a great opportunity for local families to meet and socialise.
Burview Hall is one of Walton Charity’s community properties which provide affordable space for local charities and community organisations. The original building was owned by Elmbridge Mencap and stood on our land for 33 years but in 2000 the building was demolished to make room for a new purpose-built hall, twice the size of the original building.
The large hall can now accommodate up to 100 people and is regularly used for sports and other activities. The two sensory rooms provide a relaxing space and are often used by stroke patients and people with dementia.
The Day Service, run by Elmbridge Mencap, offers people who visit Burview Hall a chance to try activities such as gardening, cookery, arts and crafts, teaching new skills and encouraging independent living. The sensory garden, which opened last year, offers a safe and colourful space for people of all ages, and the raised planters ensure everyone can get involved in growing plants and vegetables.
Elmbridge Mencap does not receive financial support from Mencap at a national level, so relies on local fundraising and donations. Jean Rigden, one of the driving forces behind Elmbridge Mencap, has seen lots of changes at Burview Hall over the years but is proud of the building and outdoor space now available to local families:
To find out more about Elmbridge Mencap’s activities, contact Jean on 01932 221304 or e mail info@elmbridgemencap.org.uk