FIFTY years ago, the mentally handicapped weren't seen in society. They were locked away in horrific institutions.

But in Northwich, parents with handicapped children teamed up to try and change people's attitudes.

The result was Mid Cheshire Mencap, a society which is still going strong half a century later. CLARE LAWRENCE discovered the secret of its success.

BERYL Marsh helped found Mid Cheshire Mencap.

So it's fitting that her son David, who is blind, dumb and suffers from Down's Syndrome, celebrates his 50th birthday at the same time as the society.

"The group was first called the National Society for Parents of Backward Children," said Beryl, now honorary president.

"The name evolved over time, just as we learned from each other's experiences and successes.

"I always remember one piece of advice - don't walk behind them and don't walk in front, but take their hands and walk beside them all the way."

The group first met in Castle where the residents helped get things off to a flying start.

"We were so well received which was very rare for that time," said Beryl, 83. "People used to bring us presents. It was the attitude of the people of Castle which gave rise to the Castle Leigh Day Centre on David Street, for adults with learning difficulties."

But, in extreme cases, institutional care 50 years ago meant cramped, over-crowded conditions, communal bathing and clothes, no incontinence care - no dignity. It was poles apart from the conditions in Holland where care was provided from the cradle to the grave.

"Those who escaped this must have carried the stigma with them all their lives," said Beryl, from Firth Fields in Davenham.

"When David was born, people would look away or asked if there was something wrong with him.

"My friends used to invite me to coffee mornings to make me feel better. They would talk about how their kids were getting on at school and I would feel this awful burden inside knowing that David would never be able to go."

Chairman, Paul de Haas, and his wife Catherine, both 42 and from London Road in Northwich, are only too aware of the shift in attitudes.

Their 10-year-old daughter, Johanna, is severely disabled with Cerebral Palsy.

"She had a brain haemorrhage when she was born and has severe learning difficulties, partial sight and uncontrolled epilepsy," explained Paul.

"In our case, we are spooning every mouthful of food to her - total care is required.

"For young parents it can be an overwhelming effort. You can get absolutely wrecked and finding the time to get away and do something different is tough."

But there is help available. The society offers a lifeline to the 500 mentally handicapped people in Mid Cheshire and their carers.

"There is life after disability - for the carers and their dependants," said Paul.

"It's not a life that the rest of society knows, but there is a life there."

Mid Cheshire Mencap is trying to raise £25,000 to buy a minibus to mark its 50th anniversary.

To make a donation, help or find out what the charity can do for you or your family, ring 01606 350610 or drop into their office at Council House on Church Road.

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