A WEST Devon charity supporting people with learning difficulties has been dissolved due to a lack of committee members, and will now be run by a Totnes-based charity.

Tavistock and District Mencap Society unfortunately was unable to recruit trustees and committee members in recent times and had therefore been looking for alternatives to run the popular Welcome Centre and Gateway Club, which have provided a social environment for adults with learning disabilities for many years.

Robert Owen Communities (ROC), which operates services across Devon and Cornwall, formally took over the Welcome Centre and the Gateway Club and the centres will now come together under the banner of The Welcome Club.

ROC has appointed Jane Anning to manage the club and she will be looking to work closely with the community to provide a fulfilling, viable service. 

Two of the existing staff, Debbie Newcombe and Chris Price will continue with the day-to-day running of the Welcome Club. However, long standing workers Pam and Mike Fox have decided to stand down and the society expressed thanks to them for all their hard work over the years. 

Members of the society expressed thanks to the people of Tavistock for their very generous and practical support over the years and hope that ROC will be supported in the same way.