Annual Review 07/08 Cover photo by Welcome to our Annual Review 2006/7 was an extremely good year for Mencap and heartfelt thanks must go to our volunteers, staff, donors, supporters and funders for their support which enabled us to make some very positive changes. Our key achievements over the past year included: • Strengthening of our User Involvement Group, leading to a much greater involvement of people with learning disabilities throughout the organisation • Restructuring of projects and the creation of a new Senior Management Team, resulting in improved service quality, greater efficiency and financial savings • Substantial investment in HR support for staff and volunteers, following the Don Eungblut Chair award of £42,000 from Beds, Herts and Luton workforce development brokerage • Greater financial stability gained from the renegotiation of funding contracts for our residential homes and children’s services, plus a range of high profile fundraising events • A large investment in residential property renovation, and IT. Over the following 12 calendar pages you will be able to read month by month about the impact that these changes and achievements have on the lives of people who receive support from, or use the services of Watford Mencap, as well as hearing about the people who work or volunteer for Watford Mencap. We should like to thank those companies who have sponsored pages and thus enabled us to produce this report. Jane Pattinson Director www.watfordmencap.org.uk “My child has a learning disability” Having children is always life-changing, but having a child with a learning disability brings added challenges. Watford Mencap’s Advice & Advocacy Service supports children and their families with advice and information about the services available to them. We guide parents through the maze of benefits and educational options and provide information on other support. The service has trained advisers, who understand the issues facing families and can provide a listening ear. During this year we have helped families gain more respite and claim the correct benefits, and have supported a family through difficulties at their child’s school. This has enabled families to reduce their stress levels and make sure that every child has the best possible chance. October 07 Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Watford20 Mencap21 22AGM 23 24 25 26 Photo courtesy of Playskill 27 28 29 30 31 www.downs-syndrome.org.uk “My child needs to play and learn” 44 children attended Watford Mencap’s after school clubs, which run 4 nights a week, and 85 children and young people used our holiday playschemes. We set up a regular parents’ group to help us campaign and plan for our services, as well as for parents to share information. We have supported the setting up of a group, Playskill, for parents and toddlers with physical and some learning disabilities. Playskill’s multi-disciplinary team, which includes a paediatric physiotherapist, occupational and speech and language therapists, uses our Children’s Centre in term time. We work in partnership with agencies including the Autism Team, the Area Special Educational Needs Coordinator and Berrygrove Children’s Centre, whom we have supported to set up the toy library in our Centre. November 07 Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri ‘Treat Yourself’1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Member of the After School Club 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Autistic Resource Centre 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 www.harc-online.org.uk “Ways into Work” Employment Fair “I want to make friends” Watford Mencap’s partnership with Watford Grammar School for Boys has brought benefits to both parties. The boys held a mufti day at Christmas to raise £550 for the Children’s Centre. The school’s sports hall hosts 15-20 young people for the Big Kids Club on Friday evenings throughout the school year, supported by 12-15 volunteers from the Boys’ and Girls’ Grammar Schools. In March, the Boys’ School invited Watford Mencap in to speak about learning disability as part of its PSHE work with Year 8. 56 children attend our Saturday Club each month, and it now has a waiting list. Help a Child supported a range of activities for 14-19 year olds.

December 07 Open Office at Langwood House Tea PartySat at Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri the Rising1 Sun 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Members of the Big Kids Club

> design and creative services > web and interactive 29 30 31 Watford Chamber of Commerce > copywriting > corporate branding > advertising > media planning and buying Big Breakfast at Moor Park > employee communications

> Together Communications Ltd > 01494 720310 > togethercomms.co.uk “What happens next?” Berrywood residential care home is empowering a younger client group to make the transition to independent living. One resident, who had never travelled on a bus before, now travels backwards and forwards to work on a bus every day. Staff also supported him to obtain free travel. Residents handle their own finances, having statements sent directly to them and keeping their own records. Residents’ life skills have improved, with the support of staff. They are trying out new recipes, baking fancy cakes and planning meals for the week. They have joined the local library and participate in local activities. Once a month, on a Sunday, the church in Chorleywood has a service and afternoon tea. A rapport has been built up with two Church members, who collect residents and bring them back home after. January 08 Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Anne Dwyer, Manager, and Saundra Bell water the plants at Berrywood 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 www.connexions-direct.com 26 27 28 29 30 31

“I want to work and learn” People with a learning disability volunteer in our Watford and shops. Shop Manager Sonia Glover says, ‘One volunteer stayed in the back at first, not mixing with customers. After much encouragement her confidence grew and she now works on the till.’ A Bushey Synagogue member funded a camcorder for Leisure Together Hertsmere, and, with Mortgage Express, a ‘Make a Movie’ workshop, when LT members performed in and filmed a chat show. Watford MP Claire Ward presented certificates for Watford and Three Rivers Leisure Together’s IT classes. Coordinator Lata Rees says: “One student was determined to improve her literacy skills. Despite past problems through lack of appropriate support, she is now doing really well.” Louise Wilmot and Colin Ixer make a movie February 08 Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Pancake Race 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Sandra Baker and Jaymini Radia at IT class, Westfield Community Education 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 www.cbeltd.co.uk “I want my voice to be heard” Tenants of our Supported Housing project were involved, with Hatfield University, in interviewing potential social work and nursing students. The Advice and Advocacy service facilitates Self-Advocacy Groups in , Bushey, South , Watford and Rickmansworth. The groups meet monthly to talk about things that are important to them. The groups provide an opportunity for people to meet with friends and enable them to grow in confidence, communicating their hopes and wishes. Watford Mencap’s User Involvement Group, a sub-committee of the Council of Management, has grown from strength to strength. This committed group of people has completed training in how to chair a meeting and has put this into practice at the monthly meetings. They are now preparing to elect 2 members onto the Council of Management. March 08 Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Members of Bushey Self-Advocacy Group in a music session 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 www.valuingpeople.gov.uk 29 30 31

“I need a break” Our Community Support Service provides respite for carers. During the year we had a very good inspection: ‘Watford Mencap provide a wealth of opportunities for the service users to access a varied and interesting activity programme. The Agency has also assisted service users on their annual holidays, these include, a holiday in the Cotswolds, a trip with one service user to Budapest. ..There were several positive comments from service users: “I cannot think of anything they could do better in respect of the service I receive from them”. “Any problems that I have staff respect and understand them”. “Staff always stay for their allotted time”.’ Source: Commission for Social Care Inspection. www.csci.org.uk

April 08 Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Start of Tax year 1 2 3 4 Ian Handley, David Trill, Lisa Christie and Dawn Leatherland go skating

The College Holiday and Day Activity Schemes also give 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 carers a break. Skating sessions were very successful. One young person was overjoyed just to be able to stand 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 on the ice; another was racing round the rink during his first session. 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

Start of new tax year 6th April 26 27 28 29 30 Baker Tilly can help with any tax and business issues. Contact - Mark Wilson on 01923 816400 “I just want to have fun” Leisure Together organises leisure activities for its members, supported by volunteers. In Watford and Three Rivers we introduced the following new activities: biscuit baking, garden centre treasure hunt, floral quiz, Sports Day kindly hosted by the Riverside Club Northwood, silk painting workshops and digital art workshops. An art grant from Royal Mencap enabled us to set up a Craft Group, and volunteers are running a new monthly pool club. The College Holiday Activity Scheme had 35 students, the most ever. They enjoyed evening sessions in a pub watching a covers band and sports activities in Cassiobury Park for Awareness Week. People have developed their skills, especially in sailing and trampolining. The Scheme has good partnerships with Colne Valley Special Sailors, Rickmansworth Archery Club, Grebe Canal Cruises and Bricket Wood Leisure Centre. Sports Day Victors at the Riverside May 08 Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Watford 10k 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Sue Prosser and Evelyn Fogel at an art class in Borehamwood 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Proud to Support Watford Mencap 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 “I’m getting older” The Advice and Advocacy Service supports older carers who are concerned about their children’s future. Case history Mrs A, 87, has a son with a learning disability who lives at home. Watford Mencap’s Advice Worker, Julie Treacy, helped Mrs A claim more than £100 per week extra in benefits. Mrs A says, “I just wanted to say what a great help you’ve been. The money has made a tremendous difference to my son’s and my lives. Now my first thought isn’t always “Can I afford it?” Recently I rented a flat for a holiday in Sussex to visit all my family, with my son. We couldn’t have done that before.”

June 08 Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Advice and Advocacy Manager Ruth Murray (left) visits Sylvia Hatch, 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 member of the User Involvement Group 28 29 30 www.carersinherts.org.uk Down’s Syndrome Awareness Week 4th – 10th “I want to volunteer” Poonam Bikha, student at St Margaret’s School, Bushey, volunteered for the Community Service element of her Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at Watford Mencap’s Bushey shop. Poonam wanted to make ‘a small contribution to society’, and chose Watford Mencap because her Mum had worked there. She liked the friendly atmosphere; working on the till helped her with her Maths! Manager Jean Darke said, “It has been a real pleasure having Poonam in the shop.” We also have dedicated volunteers in Head Office. Bob Gasper was minibus buyer and operator, involved with Rickmansworth and then Watford Mencap for many years. He has been a regular office volunteer on mailings and other work, and has brought in his grandson Robert to carry on the tradition. July 08 Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Poonam with a customer 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 www.askmencap.info 26 27 28 29 30 31 “I work for Watford Mencap” At the end of the year Watford Mencap employed 112 people, both full time and part time. We have concentrated on developing staff. During the year we invested £19,845 in training and 9 staff gained qualifications, including NVQ levels 2, 3 and 4 and Learning Disability Award Framework. Senior managers facilitated 6 days of management training. We welcomed two University of Hertfordshire students on placement. We recruited a new Human Resources Manager, funded by the Department of Health BHL workforce development brokerage. We have introduced new health and safety and HR procedures, and the Vizual computerised Personnel system. The Accounts department has increased its efficiency with the same number of staff – improved invoicing, better cost allocation, new authorisation procedures, better cashflow control, accounting entries processed up by 4%, improved sickness recording.

August 08 Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 29 21 22 Management training day Department for Work and Pensions 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 www.dwp.gov.uk 30 31 “I support Watford Mencap” Mayor of Hertsmere, Cllr Martin Saunders: “Leisure Together works hard to provide an excellent service for people with learning disabilities in Hertsmere.” Leader of Three Rivers District Council, Cllr Ann Shaw: ‘Watford Mencap does a first class job for local families, offering advice, support, information and practical help with caring and respite.’ Cllr Khalid Mahmood , Watford Borough Council: “Watford Mencap’s homecare services provided us with excellent, friendly support helping with the care of our son. Having a local organisation, that engages local people in the care needs within our community, strengthens us all.” We are developing our partnerships with Hertfordshire County Council and with corporate supporters. Examples of companies supporting us are: Glen Windows – a pool party and new windows for our shop; Coach and Horses Rickmansworth – sponsoring the Pancake Race; Matthew Arnold & Baldwin and Clydesdale Bank – sponsoring the Watford 10k. We hope to build on these partnerships in the coming year.

September 08 Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 The Clydesdale Bank runners after the Watford 10k 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Supporting Watford Mencap HAYES STAFF RECRUITMENT 27 28 29 30 www.hayes-staff.co.uk Look out this month for the Big Herts Walk Our money and how we spent it

The following is a summary of the income and expenditure for the year ended 31st March 2007. The full accounts are available from the Company Secretary at the address on the back of this Review. The accounts were approved by the Council of Management on the 24th September 2007. They have been audited by Kingston Smith LLP, who have issued an unqualified opinion.

Income £000 Expenditure £000

36 3 94 73 57 76 87 124 180 Fundraising 14 Fundraising 11 169 Shops Shops 209

Investment Residential

Public Authorities Community 313 Grants from Trusts Children

Rent Governance

Fees Funds c/f to 07/08 1,151

1,283 Other Transfer to General Fund

Total Income £1,939,974 Total Expenditure £1,939,974

Council of Management 1 April 2006 –31 March 2007 Non Board members serving on sub-committees: Don Eungblut, Chairman Albert Perahia - elected Sept 2006 Operations Management Audit & Finance Committee Alf Loose, Vice Chairman Peter Richards - resigned May 2006 Pauline Joy, Treasurer Pam Robertson Elizabeth Dickinson John Good Peter Bull - resigned August 2006 Russ Teague Christel Perahia Mark Morbey Laurie Kenny Ross Tiffin Glenda Marcus - resigned September 2006 Thank you to all our Funders and Friends

1st Rickmansworth Rainbows Druids Pub, Rickmansworth Mrs Smith & Mount Trust ACL Property Finance Francis Coombe School Youth Centre Artisan Hair Salon Foundation Piper Toughened Glass Awards for All Garfield Weston Foundation Radlett Junior Squash Club Aylett Nurseries Glen Haysman, Glen Windows Rising Sun, Brewer’s Fayre Baker Tilly Graysons Rotary Club of Watford & the Langleys Barclays Bank Community Team Harlequin Centre Rotary Club of Watford Clarendon Battlers Green Farm Shop Help a London Child Sigma Pharmaceuticals Beatrice Laing Foundation Hertfordshire Children’s Fund Southern Cross Pub BHL Workforce Development Brokerage Herts Community Foundation St Peter’s Church, Mill End Bushey & District Synagogue Herts County Council The Oshwal Pharmacists Bushey & Oxhey Methodist Church Hertsmere Council The Soulmates Cadbury Trebor Bassett HSBC Three Rivers Council Camelot Plc Irene Lawton Trust Top Flight Couriers Big Herts Walk 2006: CBJ Digital James Tetlow Total Vikash Dodhia receives an iPod Nano Chiltern Asset Finance John Lewis Partnership Tudor Arms Pub from Claire Ward MP for winning the Chorleywood Lawn Tennis Club Key Fund VOCA children’s competition. Christopher Laing Foundation – Hertfordshire Community Fund Watford Boys’ Grammar School KPMG Watford Watford Chamber of Commerce Claire Ward MP If you would like to support Watford Clydesdale Bank Lloyds TSB Foundation Watford Council Mencap, please contact us at: Coach & Horses, Rickmansworth M&J Occasions Watford Girls’ Grammar School Watford Mencap Connexions Manpower Watford Observer Langwood House Suites 1 & 2 Deborah Mann Mark Master Masons Watford U3A 63-81 High Street Dept of Health - Opportunities for Matthew, Arnold & Baldwin, Solicitors Rickmansworth Volunteering Mencap Arts Grant and to all the many individuals and local Herts WD3 1EQ groups – sadly, too many to mention by name Dorothy Thornhill, Mayor of Watford Motorvation Tel: 01923 713620 Fax: 01923 773976 – for all your donations, gifts, support in kind Dr Nicola Cowap Mr & Mrs L Anderson and for giving up your time to help us. [email protected] www.watfordmencap.org.uk Watford & District Mencap Society A company limited by guarantee www.watfordmencap.org.uk Company no. 2636705 Registered Charity No. 1004431