The Squad started in 1993 with 20 members and just 5 volunteers.
There are now around 30 members between the ages of 13-25 attending
on any given night, and a regular core of 10-12 volunteers. We are
open to all young people with a learning disability in the borough.
Originally set up with the support of Mencap, Merton Borough Youth
Service and Wimbledon YMCA, The Squad now has core backing from the
London Borough of Merton. We have been based at a number of venues
during the club's lifetime; but since 2007 we have been housed at
the John Innes Youth Centre in South Wimbledon and are looking
forward to many more years in residence there.
Thanks
The Squad relies entirely on donations, sponsorship and grants,
and our existence would not be possible without the support of many
organisations and people.
In particular, we would like to thank:
- London Borough of Merton
- Our partners at The John Innes Youth Centre - Kingston and Wimbledon YMCA (including Andy Redfearn) and Music Room
- The tutors and coaches who have made The Squad a fun place to learn new skills
- Youth Opportunity Fund Panel
- Global Village
- Rob Mobile and Merton Voluntary Sector Council
- Mark Clark & Karen Hutchinson at Merton Youth Service
- Marie Wright & Chris Plowright at Merton Connexions
- The Calvert Trust
- Safestore Wimbledon
- Wimbledon Theatre
- Odeon Cinema
- Pizza Hut
- Marie Kelly at London Youth
- Mapalim
- Logica
