InThe voice of learningTouch disability in South West Herts Winter 2012 What’s inside Cover Story Children meet EastEnders star page 2

Investors in People report page 3 New housing at Whitfield Way page 5 Jubilee Year round-up pages 6 & 7 Raising Your Game receives award Photo: Stuart Bendig Photography page 11 A Happy New Year to EastEnders star helps Fantastic Investors in People report all our readers! raise £2,000 Watford Mencap was extremely happy with organisation and who derive immense job We start the year with our excellent its most recent Investors in People (IIP) satisfaction from the work they do.’ Investors in People review. It is a real report. The report also drew attention to recent boost to receive such positive feedback Back in October IIP visited Watford Mencap improvements in the organisation, including about the quality of Watford Mencap’s and interviewed many of its staff, volunteers the recruitment process which now focuses services and support. and trustees. more on competency as opposed to “This is a competent workforce who are Investors in People is a flexible, tailored and experience. This has reportedly resulted in extremely committed to the organisation easy-to-use people management standard. a better calibre of employee and greater and who derive immense job satisfaction It helps businesses to achieve objectives diversity of skill set and knowledge. from the work they do. The charity’s by developing and harnessing the skills of strengths continue to be equality of people. opportunity and the involvement and empowerment of employees and service The report described Watford Mencap as users alike,” states the report. ‘well structured, with a supervisory process Key Points which regularly facilitates and supports Heartfelt thanks go to all our staff and • Watford Mencap was commended for Photo: Stuart Bendig Photography generally very good communication volunteers, whose ongoing commitment throughout. The charity’s strengths continue the way in which it develops the skills of and support made a real impact on our to be the cultural elements of the Standard, its people during an Investors in People assessor. Actor Elliot Rosen was a great success visit with the audience at Watford Mencap’s Big specifically equality of opportunity and Despite reductions in our funding, we are Breakfast at Moor Park. the involvement and empowerment of • The Investors in People report striving to ensure that our personalised employees and service users alike.’ described Watford Mencap as ‘well Rosen, 33, who has Down’s Syndrome, told services continue whilst we reduce costs. The report went on to say ‘there was very structured’ and said there was ‘very New funding from the Department of guests that he especially liked working as good evidence of effective teamwork Alfie Moon’s son in EastEnders, and joked good evidence of effective team-working Health, income from our two charity shops and generally approachable managers who and approachable managers’ and the support of the local community that actor Shane Ritchie spent most of his take the development of their employees • Recruitment processes have improved all help to ensure that our Advice and time trying to be funny! as seriously as the support provided to their so that a better calibre of employees are Advocacy Service can support the Organised with Watford Chamber of service users. This is a competent workforce recruited increasing numbers of families facing cuts Commerce, the breakfast was sponsored by who are extremely committed to the to services, benefits and support. international payments provider VocaLink. Many thanks also to the Topping family Mark Chapman, Director of Commercial who share their personal experiences Marketing and Chairman of CSR at VocaLink with us in this edition of In Touch. We said: “We are committed to supporting the are keen to hear from other families who fantastic work of Watford Mencap and may have similar experiences to share, encourage other businesses to understand £50,000 boost for people with learning disabilities or who may need our support in these the mutual benefits of supporting their local Watford Mencap has won nearly £50,000 from challenging times. community.” the Department of Health’s Health and Social Watford Mencap’s Chair Don Eungblut Care Volunteering Fund, with the support of the Community Learning Disability Teams of Best wishes thanked guests, who helped raise £2,000 at the event. He said: “Every £45 we raise Watford, Three Rivers and Hertsmere. allows another child to spend an evening at The money will be provided over the next our AfterSchool Club.” 2½ years so that a team of volunteers can Key Points be trained to give advice to people with a Elliot is pictured visiting our AfterSchool Club • The Department of Health has at our children’s centre in Watford. learning disability, supporting them to find what they need in health and social care. provided Watford Mencap with nearly Key Point Watford Mencap’s Learning and Leisure £50,000 Jane Pattinson Manager, Ruth Murray, said: “This will make • The money will help to train • EastEnders actor Elliot Rosen was a real difference in helping us to reach guest of honour at Watford Mencap’s new people. Thousands of people with a volunteers to give advice to people Big Breakfast event learning disability in our area have little or with a learning disability no support.”

2 www.watfordmencap.org.uk telephone 01923 713620 3 Funding cuts are badly affecting the vulnerable New development for Key Points • 4 people with learning disabilities A young woman with Down’s Syndrome has “Everything is a fight. All we want is for people with learning have been re-housed in Whitfield Way, had her income more than halved because Amanda’s disability related expenditure to Rickmansworth of cuts in government funding. be assessed properly and for her to have disability • 3 of these people lived at Homeoaks Amanda Topping, 35, has lived in supported enough money to live on. If she has to live A care home which was forced to close due which is being demolished because it accommodation in Abbots Langley for the on the small amount she has been given to subsidence has led to Watford Mencap’s showed signs of subsidence past 10 years and enjoys an active life using then she will really suffer. We hear that the investing its reserves in a new development • The new home was funded through the Watford Mencap’s Leisure and Learning weak and vulnerable people in society are at Whitfield Way, Rickmansworth. legacy of Betty Lydon whose son Kevin sports and fitness sessions, the local being protected – but they are not. Certainly Homeoaks in South Oxhey is to be lived in Homeoaks. Local businesses Gateway Club and a drama club. not in Amanda’s case.” demolished but 3 of its former residents, also gave their support A HCC spokesman said these are Susan Tavener, Jacqueline Chaplin and But changes in the way that Hertfordshire Rosemary Culbert are now living happily in County Council charges people for services Government cuts to services for people with learning disabilities and there is little that Whitfield Way. They have been joined by a means that Amanda’s quality of life is 4th tenant, Saundra Bell. likely to get worse. Her weekly charges the county can do to intervene. have increased by more than £42 and she The Toppings are now considering taking Funding came from the legacy of Mrs Betty Lydon, whose son Kevin lived in Homeoaks. has been landed with a back-dated bill for their case to the Local Government There has also been a lot of support from £1,469. Ombudsman. local business, including John Lewis which Amanda and her parents, Janet and Allan If you are struggling with the cuts, please provided the kitchen. Other help came from Topping, have been told that the allowance contact Watford Mencap’s Advice and Rumball Sedgwick, VocaLink, YourCash and given to Amanda for disability related Advocacy Service on 01923 713620. Camelot volunteers, RPL builders and Rance expenses has been reduced because some Landscapes, as well as Three Rivers District of Amanda’s activities are ‘lifestyle choices.’ Council and Hertfordshire County Council. However, the Toppings say that activities Project manager Lorrain Barratt said: “Many people with learning disabilities struggle to such as the fitness sessions are essential for find a home of their own. Watford Mencap has helping Amanda control her weight as she financed Whitfield Way to provide affordable has an under-active thyroid. Plus, Amanda and accessible housing.” cannot drive so has to spend money on transport so she can buy food to eat and Ross Smith and Jon Jupp from the Camelot attend everyday appointments such as the Creative Team worked hard to transform dentist or doctor. the garden at Whitfield Way Mrs Topping said: “Amanda is being picked on and her money is being plundered. We have tried to explain to the county council New Year, New You! how this is going to badly affect Amanda, Eaten too many mince pies at Christmas? The race, which is once again sponsored Want to get fit in 2012? Inspired by the by Camelot, will officially be launched on but no-one at the council seems able to Photo: Richard Owen Olympics? 24 February when radio station Vibe 107.6 help.” Janet and Allan Topping with their Start the New Year training for the Watford will visit Watford Mencap Children’s Centre. Mr and Mrs Topping, who live in Watford, are daughter Amanda 10k race, which takes place in Cassiobury Make sure you book early to get your place trying to help their daughter financially but Park on Bank Holiday Monday 7 May 2012. on www.watford10k.org.uk both are retired and admit that they do not Key Points have extra cash to provide continued support. The Watford 10k is currently in its 15th year Key Points • Amanda Topping and her parents and is managed by the Watford Round Table. • The Watford 10k race will be held on They feel their only help has come from explain how Government cuts in funding 2011 saw another great race, raising over Monday 7 May at Cassiobury Park Watford Mencap. Mrs Topping said: “Watford for people with learning disabilities are £8,000 for Watford Mencap’s AfterSchool Mencap has helped us right from the start. badly affecting them Club. 2012 is going to be bigger and better. • The race will be launched on 24 February They are really supportive. They have given • Amanda has had her weekly income As well as raising much-needed funds for us all the information we need to fight the drastically cut and been given a big bill the children with a learning disability, it also • The Watford 10k raises money for local county council and they’ve helped us write of back-dated money to pay raises money for other local charities. charities including Watford Mencap letters.”

4 www.watfordmencap.org.uk telephone 01923 713620 5 29 January: Diamond Jubilee Ball - Diamond Jubilee Round-Up 2011 £18,000 The year started with a bang at the Watford Mencap celebrated its 60th anniversary with a year of incredible events Diamond Jubilee Ball – raising £18,000 8 March: Pancake Race - £850 Our Diamond Jubilee events raised an outstanding £43,568 – enough to keep Watford Mencap’s Afterschool Club going for 6 months. On your marks, get set, flip – this great We would like to thank everyone who was involved in these events. It would not have been possible without your support. community event raised £850 All of April: Off the Wall Art Exhibition - £1,466 B C Run by volunteers and local artists, this fantastic art exhibition raised £1,466 2 May: Watford 10k - £8,000 The 2011 race was the biggest yet - raising an outstanding £8,000 14 May: Summer Time Dance - £853 Learning and Leisure members filled the dance floor – raising £853 E 22 May: Diamond Dogs - £60 Dogs and their owners dressed in ‘bling’ for this fun walk 3 June: Watford Observer Golf Day - £4,380 A super day out for golfing enthusiasts

D 9 June: NatWest Golf Day - £3,000 More fun for golfers! F 20 -24 June: Learning Disability Week - £2,018 Putting a stop to Hate Crime raised £2,018 G

A 29 September: Tree Planting – not a Fundraiser A Japanese cherry tree was planted to celebrate our 60 years in South West Herts Photos: Stuart Bendig and Sussex Sport Photography 7 October: AGM - £574 Our 60th birthday was celebrated in 1950’s style raising £574 3 November: Mamma Mia - £2,367 ABBA fans had the chance to sing along A The annual Pancake Race through Rickmansworth High Street proved eggciting for all involved! to their favourite hits at the exclusive B The Mayor of Hertsmere Councillor Peter Knell joined walkers for our Diamond Dogs walk screening of Mamma Mia at the C An art exhibition proved popular during our Jubilee Year Watersmeet Theatre in Rickmansworth D Congratulations to the winners of the NatWest charity golf day 6 December: The Big Breakfast - £2,000 E The Watford 10k race is enjoyed by thousands every year Guest Speakers Elliot Rosen and Gerry Hunt F Learning Disability Week focused on the campaign to put an end to learning disability hate crime helped Watford Mencap raise £2,000 G Disco-goers dressed as characters from the musical Grease for a special dance at Watford Grammar School for Boys H H Cinema-goers enjoyed a singalong to Mamma Mia at the Watersmeet Theatre in Rickmansworth Total: £43,568

6 www.watfordmencap.org.uk telephone 01923 713620 7 Stuart’s new home gives him independence Mothercare’s £2,500 Watford Mencap’s first e-newsletter Watford Mencap has now launched its Watford Mencap client Stuart Cowie has Stuart’s support package is being reduced gift for Children’s Centre first ever e-newsletter. It will be sent out moved into a new flat in Rickmansworth. as he becomes more independent and every month and, eventually, every two The Mothercare Group Foundation has Stuart, 22, approached Watford Mencap’s confident to do things on his own. weeks. If you would like to receive Watford once again supported Watford Mencap’s Development Department in March 2011 to If you would like Watford Mencap to support Mencap’s e-newsletter either sign up via AfterSchool Club by awarding them a £2,500 find out how he could get a home of his own you in getting a new home contact our new our website www.watfordmencap.org.uk grant. instead of living with his mother. Housing Officer Michelle Ewing on 01923 or email Veronica on development@ They have been very supportive to the watfordmencap.org.uk Development Manager Kathryn White 713643 or email mewing@watfordmencap. Children’s Centre over the years and this explained the different options that were org.uk money will go towards funding a play worker available to Stuart and discussed the pros for a whole term. Dancing queens! and cons about living on his own and with other people. Simone Spencer-Ahmed, from the ABBA fans had the chance to sing along Mothercare Group Foundation, said: to their favourite hits at the exclusive Kathryn worked with Three Rivers District “The trustees of the Mothercare Group screening of Mamma Mia at the Council Housing Department to get Stuart on Foundation are delighted to be supporting Watersmeet Theatre in Rickmansworth. the council social housing list. Three Rivers Watford Mencap’s AfterSchool Club which is District Council then bid on his behalf to The event raised £2,367 for Watford a highly valued local service for children and Herts Choice Homes, which is a choice based Mencap’s Learning and Leisure project young people with a learning disability.” lettings scheme for council and housing which supports adults with a learning association homes. “It provides a safe and reassuring disability. A big thank you to Alf Loose environment in which they can socialise, and the Friends of Watersmeet Film Stuart had the option to take the flat or Stuart enjoys a more independent life now play games, develop new skills, or simply Society who helped on the night. reject it. He chose to take it and a month that he has his own flat relax - at the same time providing much- later he moved in. Key Points needed respite for families.” Watford Mencap also helped Stuart with his Speak up if you want a speaker! • Stuart Cowie is enjoying greater care package, so he had all the support he Do you want a speaker for your group? independence since moving into a new needed when he moved into the flat. Our Watford Mencap’s volunteer Ambassador, flat Community Support team helped Stuart get Janice Jones, is happy to come and settled into his new home and supported • Watford Mencap worked with Three speak, show films and answer questions. him with cooking, cleaning, shopping and Rivers District Council to find Stuart a Contact her on 01923 713622 or jjones@ anything else he wanted to do. suitable flat in Rickmansworth watfordmencap.org.uk The development team also provided the • Stuart has been given all the support landlord with specialist learning disability he needs to make sure he is settled and advice and has regular reviews with Stuart’s comfortable in his new home Raising awareness social worker. The Learning Disability Partnership Board’s annual event called ‘This is Me’ will be held at the Jim McDonald Centre, McDonald Les Anderson and Peter Richards Court, High View, Hatfield, on Saturday 25 It is with great sadness that we mark Committee during a period which February from 10am to 1.30pm. Organised the passing of Les Anderson and Peter saw many changes in the provision of with Carers in Hertfordshire, this event Richards. Les, whose brother Charles residential care. Naturally cautious, he will also raise awareness about learning was one of the first residents of our would question in detail any proposals disabilities. If you would like to book a Haydon Road house, was a dedicated to expand our services or purchase new place (lunch is included), please contact fundraiser for Watford Mencap. He was homes, showing concern that we might Simone Spencer-Ahmed presents the Laura Brannon on 01438 843271 or email particularly renowned for shaking tins overstretch our resources. He was a very £2,500 cheque from Mothercare to Watford [email protected] on Flag Days and would not stop until caring man and when discussing moves Mencap’s AfterSchool Club team he had filled 2 or 3 tins. In 1992 he did towards independent living he was a sponsored swim for the society raising determined that standards of care and Key Point A wizard £2,500 from Warner Bros almost £2000. wellbeing should be maintained. • The Mothercare Group Foundation A big thank you to Warner Bros, who are Peter, a retired bank manager, was We shall miss them both. has awarded a £2,500 grant to Watford about to open their Harry Potter attraction Chairman of our Homes Management Mencap’s AfterSchool Club at the Leavesden Studios, for donating £2,500 to Watford Mencap.

8 www.watfordmencap.org.uk telephone 01923 713620 9 Diamond artwork to Raising Your Game wins award be unveiled Congratulations to Mencap’s Lottery-funded and staff involved, this award recognises the A piece of artwork which portrays Watford Raising Your Game project which has won a hard work of the past 2 years.” Mencap’s past, present and future is to be 2011 Young Partners’ Award. Aldenham Golf and Office Angels unveiled to mark the end of our Diamond Raising Your Game is a 5-year project, run Country Club Parmiter’s School Jubilee year. in partnership with Watford Mencap, for Key Points Baker Tilly Peter Harrison Learning and Leisure members have young people with a learning disability or • The Raising Your Game project has Valerie Burdett Foundation spent the past year working with Watford communication difficulty, including those won an award which recognises good Bushey Festival Rance Landscapes Grammar School for Girls to plan and create who have offended or may offend. practice in involving young people in Camelot Radlett Round Table a triptych, which is in the shape of three The Young Partners’ Awards are run by the decision making diamonds. CBJ Digital RPL Builders National Council for Voluntary Youth Services • Raising Your Game is a 5-year project The Childwick Trust Rumball Sedgwick Learning and Leisure project members have (NCVYS). Raising Your Game won a national run in partnership with Watford Mencap. award recognising good practice in involving Click Productions Sandy Lodge Golf Club had a strong bond with the girls’ school It is aimed at supporting people with a young people in decision making. Department of Health: Saracens since 2005. Adults with learning disabilities learning disability, including those who have been offered numerous art and craft Health and Social Care Sewell & Gardner Mark Perks, Raising Your Game’s programme have offended or may offend Volunteering Fund sessions at the school and have also had manager, said: “For all the young people The Soulmates Don Eungblut use of their IT facilities for computer classes Three Rivers District over the years. Friends of Watersmeet Council Community Film Society Grant The school’s Specialist Status Manager A diamond day at Cheslyn Half Way House Holly Delfen and artist in residence Siân TJX Europe A Japanese flowering cherry tree has Richard Harrington MP Fenwick helped create the artwork which VocaLink been planted at Cheslyn Gardens to Key Points Help a Capital Child will feature at Watford Mencap’s head office Vibe 107.6 in Rickmansworth. commemorate Watford Mencap’s Diamond • The Mayor of Watford Dorothy Thornhill Herts County Council Warner Bros Leavesden Jubilee. was joined by two very special guests to HoB the Hairdressers Studios It was donated by Watford Borough Council plant a Japanese cherry tree at Cheslyn Donations in memory Watford Borough and on hand to perform the ceremony were Gardens of the late Ronald Council Mayor’s Watford Mayor Dorothy Thornhill, Mariah Hutton Community Fund • Mariah Spenceley, 5, and Sylvia Hatch Spenceley (5) and Sylvia Hatch (pictured). John Lewis Watford Watford Chamber of helped plant the tree to mark Watford Mencap’s 60th anniversary Dr and Mrs Khan Commerce Sylvia’s father, Charles, was a founder member of Watford Mencap, while Mariah Rose and Stuart Kreloff Watford Grammar School for Boys attends Watford Mencap’s Afterschool Club. The Lawton Trust Watford Grammar Mariah is already quite a celebrity within Leggatts Afternoon School for Girls Watford Mencap as she features in a film Townswomen’s Guild Watford Palace Theatre about the organisation’s work. It can be The Load of Hay Watford Round Table viewed at http://www.watfordmencap.org. Lulu Marshall uk/home/children. West Herts College Merchant Taylors’ Ian Wilson The Mayor said: “It is fitting that you have School chosen something that will last and endure, Moor Park Golf Club YourCash Watford Grammar School for Girls artist in residence Siân Fenwick creates the just like Watford Mencap. In recent years CL Moore and MA Yorke Mead Primary you have really upped your game and are Rogers School diamond artwork with help from Adrian O’Brien of Watford Mencap’s now one of Watford’s best charities.” Mothercare Group Foundation Learning and Leisure group Funding Manager for Watford Mencap, Veronica Chamberlain, thanked the Mayor. Special thanks Key Point She said: “We have enjoyed tremendous • Watford Grammar School for Girls support from the Council and, in particular, to Stuart Bendig for taking many of the and Watford Mencap’s Learning and the Mayor’s Community Fund.” photos for In Touch. Leisure project members have produced She also thanked Parks Development www.stuartbendigphotography.com a diamond-themed piece of art to mark Manager Dave Jenkins and his staff for the the 60th anniversary of Watford Mencap preparatory work in getting the garden ready or 01923 499232 or 07951 111874 Photo: Stuart Bendig Photography to give the tree its new home.

10 www.watfordmencap.org.uk telephone 01923 713620 11 Talent Corner Gurpreet’s winning Christmas card design

The finger painting skills of an 8-year-old Bushey girl graced thousands of greetings cards this Christmas. Profoundly disabled Gurpreet Juttla was a Dear Watford Mencap winner in a national Mencap competition with I have a learning disability and I live on her ‘Now bring us some Figgy Pudding’ design. my own. I have seen an advert on the The cards were sold through the John Lewis television saying my television will be Partnership to raise money for Mencap. changing and I will not be able to watch it any more. I am not sure what this means and I am very worried about it. They are changing the way the signal is being sent to your television through your aerial. From April 2012 it will be a digital signal which means people will be able to watch more channels. If you have a new television then you will probably be fine, but if you have 5 channels or fewer on any TV in your home, you will need to buy something so it can receive the digital channels. There is a Help Scheme run by the BBC for some people, particularly those aged over Gurpreet has been a patient at Great 75 or who get Disability Living Allowance, Ormond Street Hospital in London since she to help with everything needed to switch was born and has undergone a series of one TV to digital. You may have to pay, life-saving operations including open heart but it is free if you get some ‘means surgery. tested’ benefits. Despite her disability, her infectious smile More information can be found at and bubbly personality have made her a hit www.helpscheme.co.uk or you can call with everyone. That includes her Learning 0800 40 85 900. Support Assistant at Meadow Wood School, Lorraine Smith, who helped Gurpreet If you would like more help please contact develop her finger painting talents. the Advice & Advocacy Service on 01923 713620 or email The judges included Mencap ambassador [email protected] and star of the BBC’s Gavin and Stacey, Mathew Horne.

In Touch is published by: Watford Mencap, The Old Town Hall, Rickmansworth, Herts WD3 1AN, Tel: 01923 713620 Fax: 01923 773976 [email protected] www.facebook.com/watfordmencap www.twitter.com/watfordmencap A Company Limited by Guarantee • Company No 2636705 • Charity No 1004431 Watford Mencap Children’s Centre: 01923 220816 Editor: Sarah Kitt, 07747 805123 Design and production: Together Communications, www.togethercomms.co.uk www.watfordmencap.org.uk telephone 01923 713620