InThe voice of learningTouch disability in South West Herts Winter 2013 What’s inside Mencap win Best Care Business Award Page 3 Music in Hospitals brings harmony and joy Page 4 Looking back over 2012

Pages 6/7 Rebecca dances at the Paralympics

Page 9 Photo: Stuart Bendig Simply the best! Calling all ambassadors! Winners of Top Care Business Award Former deputy headteacher Janice Jones We had a wonderful end to the year. On was looking for a new challenge when Watford Mencap is delighted to have Watford Mencap Director Jane Pattinson 30 November we received the stunning she retired, and decided to become an won the Care Providers said: “The passion and commitment of our news that we had won Best Care Business ambassador for Watford Mencap. Association (HCPA) Best Care Business (over employees and volunteers have enabled us (over 50 Employees) at the awards of “I was keen to help in the local community 50 employees) Award for 2012. to push the boundaries as an organisation Hertfordshire Care Providers Association! and use some of the skills I had developed. Watford Mencap won the prestigious prize and go one step further to provide a wide We have 120 employees and 140 There are so many different things you can because it matched all the necessary range of opportunities to people with a volunteers, and this award belongs do; it is very rewarding and so worthwhile. criteria which included: learning disability.” to all of them. After the scandal of The people you meet are terrific and it is • Demonstrating how the organisation is Watford Mayor Dorothy Thornhill said: Winterbourne View, it is important to such a supportive organisation,” she said. working to develop and maintain its “Without a doubt, Watford Mencap is one of show that there are agencies with the As a volunteer ambassador Janice talks services the most successful voluntary organisations right values who are providing good to all sorts of groups about what amazing in the area. I admire its aspirations and its support to people with a learning • Showing how the organisation continually things Watford Mencap does to support relentless commitment to supporting those disability. supports staff in their role and that staff in need.” people. She also encourages others to training translates into person-centred care We have recently had good CQC donate and fundraise for the organisation. inspections at our Thorpedale, Berrywood • Having a good reputation in the locality Key Point “I have been so impressed by the positive and Hillside homes as well as for our attitude and understanding shown to all,” • Providing additional services • Watford Mencap has won a top award Community Support service. added Janice. “It is good to see people • Demonstrating how quality is measured for being the best care business in having the opportunity and independence to internally Hertfordshire (over 50 employees) Happy New Year! enjoy life. Giving even just a little can help so much.” Watford Mencap gets its message out to the community using the website, Facebook, Our front cover shows Watford Mencap If you are interested in talking about Twitter and its shops which help to break Chair Don Eungblut holding the trophy. Watford Mencap in schools, call Liz Hizli down barriers and integrate people with the Below are the Watford Mencap people who on 01923 713622 or email community. went to the awards ceremony [email protected]

Key Points Jane Pattinson • Watford Mencap would love to hear from you if you want to volunteer like ambassador Janice Jones

In memory of Florrie Amans Sadly, Watford Mencap member Florrie Amans passed away in November after an illness. Carol Sadler, her Community Support Worker said: “My memories of Florrie are her singing along to Abba in my car with a big smile on her face at the top of her voice. Also sitting outside in the sunshine at her favourite coffee shop and watching the world go by. “She enjoyed everything that came her way and we feel fortunate to have known her. She will be deeply missed by all at Watford Mencap, her good friend Bob and her family, who she had recently been reunited with.”

2 www.watfordmencap.org.uk telephone 01923 713620 3 Rosemary achieves her Musical entertainment Watford Mencap AGM goal for all An evening of jazz and dancing followed the Whitfield Way in Rickmansworth is one Watford Mencap has benefited from a Annual General Meeting at The Watersmeet of a small number of supported housing unique scheme which aims to improve lives in Rickmansworth. schemes run by Watford Mencap. through the joy and therapeutic benefits of live music. Sponsored by VocaLink, the international One of the most recent successes at payments company based in Whitfield Way is that resident Rosemary Music in Hospitals, a charity, performed Rickmansworth, the event was attended Culbert (pictured) is now able to make her several concerts to local children and adults by nearly 150 people including Kemal Butt, own bed. This is an enormous achievement with learning disabilities. Chairman of Council, for somebody with a learning disability and Mum Sally Summerton said: “My daughter, pictured (right) in the conga. who is also a wheelchair user. Sophie, loves the music, the interaction Don Eungblut, Chair of Trustees at Watford Personal Assistant Coral Brooke said: “I see with others and watching the other children Mencap, conducted the formal business with my job as supporting Rosemary to live in her enjoy themselves. She also loves being the overwhelming support from the members. house and to encourage her to do as much centre of attention for a change. What a for herself as she can. I look at each task lot of people don’t realise is that kids with Watford Mencap Director, Jane Pattinson, and decide how to help her to do as much of a learning disability, in particular with highlighted the awards and accolades it as she possibly can.” high needs, are often overlooked. This is Watford Mencap had received from the Care Quality Commission, Advice Quality Whitfield Way has just purchased a mini a wonderful opportunity for them to feel special.” Standard and Investors in People, and the ironing board and a travel iron so Rosemary charity’s short-listing for Best Care Business Photo: SKM Studio now hopes to do her own ironing from her by Herts Care Providers Association which wheelchair. “There is no stopping her now!” we went on to win (see page 3)! said Coral. Key Points She thanked staff and volunteers for • Watford Mencap’s Annual General their hard work, as well as the AGM’s Meeting attracted an audience of 150 photographers SKM Studios, sponsors people VocaLink, and BSV Jazz Band. • Director Jane Pattinson highlighted the Act One Dance Base, an all ability dance awards won by Watford Mencap and project, performed at the end of official thanked lots of people for their support business.

Children enjoy a festive treat An early Christmas party was arranged by Ayshea Geraghty enjoys the jazz band. London and Home Counties Lions’ groups Photo Stuart Bendig for youngsters from Watford Mencap Children’s Centre. The children joined over None of these events would have been 300 other children from various groups possible without the support of Capital across London and the Home Counties Shopping Centres, owners of The Harlequin at the party at The Allum Hall, Elstree, in in Watford and, in particular, Erin Thorne, November. the centre’s Marketing Manager. Key Points Cheryl Peacock, Secretary of Watford Lions, • Whitfield Way resident Rosemary said: “The children were lovely and had a Culbert has achieved a personal goal of Key Point great time. I hope they all enjoyed the party as much as we did.” making her own bed • A charity called Music in Hospitals • Watford Mencap works with individuals performed musical concerts to children Watford Lions’ Cheryl Peacock and Watford with learning disabilities to help them and adults with learning disabilities in Mencap Playworker Thulashie Manivannan achieve their goals in life Watford and Rickmansworth and youngsters are pictured at the Christmas party.

4 www.watfordmencap.org.uk telephone 01923 713620 5 A. Horse riding was a big hit at Merchant Taylors’ School Fun Day B. Eileen Meadlarkin from Hillside 2012 - what a great year Residential Home was given a glamorous new look with help from VocaLink Finance What a great year 2012 has been. Britain has enjoyed the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, Manager Sonali Xavier at a Girls’ Night In Olympic and Paralympic triumphs and we even saw a Brit win the Tour de France and a Scot Pamper Evening win our first grand slam tennis title in 76 years! C C. An After School Club member painted a Here at Watford Mencap we have also been enjoying 2012. Some of the photos featured picture for the Baker Tilly advent calendar here give you an idea of what we have been up to! Kenny is pictured with Carol Johnson (left) and Mark Wilson of Baker Tilly, and Sarah B Fishwick, acting manager of our Children’s Centre A D. Colin Loose (left) ran the 10k with Support Worker Alex Batts. Colin won a prize for raising the most money in his category E. Watford Mencap Director Jane Pattinson and Laura Watkins at the Learning Disability Forum hosted by Watford Mencap F. Watford Mencap’s shops continue to do well, bringing in nearly £80,000 this year. 10 people with learning disabilities volunteer in our two shops in Watford and Bushey and we offer training opportunities F for students at college G. The High Sheriff of Hertfordshire visited our Children’s Centre in Watford H. Children enjoyed a visit to Santa at the G joint fun day with Herts Inclusive Theatre I. Amanda Topping and Lisa Christie at the D Paralympics with the Day Activity Scheme

Up and coming events E Watford Mencap Annual run categories: 1k, 3k or 10k. Full Rickmansworth Pancake Race details on www.watford10k.org.uk Tuesday 12 February Gala Dinner Thursday 14 March We are looking for 16 teams of Watford Mencap will be hosting 4 people. It costs £50 entry per a special gala dinner with Lord team. A prize will be awarded Seb Coe, courtesy of The Mercure to the team who raises the most Hotel, Watford. To apply for a money. table, please contact Liz Hizli Annual Watford 10k Fun Run [email protected] H Monday 6 May I Come and join the thousands who take part. There are 3 fun Photos: Richard Owen, Stuart Bendig, Sussex Sports Photography

6 www.watfordmencap.org.uk telephone 01923 713620 7 Hotel staff carry out worldwide charity work VocaLink renews Paralympic dream for Rebecca Hundreds of thousands of staff from the partnership Young Rebecca Fletcher had a Hilton Hotel group carried out some great For the 3rd year, VocaLink has signed a dream come voluntary work for charities in November. partnership agreement with Watford Mencap true when she to support people with a learning disability. Watford Mencap Children’s Centre in Watford was chosen and its Thorpedale residential home in The agreement commits both organisations to perform in Chorleywood were chosen to benefit from to continuing their partnership for 2013, and the opening this week-long worldwide initiative – known formalises a programme of activities which ceremony of the as Hilton Worldwide’s Annual Global Week of supports the charity. Paralympics. Services. Bryan Sharkey, Customer Service and Rebecca, who About 40 members from Hilton’s European Engagement Director at Rickmansworth- has a learning headquarters in Watford transformed the based VocaLink said: “This year we have disability, was Children’s Centre’s Rainbow Room adding raised over £7,000. We are now organising a part of the some great sofas, a new wide screen TV, a party for Watford Mencap to brighten up one ‘Enlightenment’ games console and 2 iPads. The room has of those dull days after Christmas.” routine. She even been given a new name: The London wore a bright pink costume, a hat with Room. Don Eungblut, Chair of Watford Mencap, added: “We have really enjoyed working with lights, and twirled a pink umbrella. Everyone got stuck into the work, including VocaLink and are delighted to have renewed Rebecca (pictured) received a letter of two of Hilton’s top bosses, Christopher J the partnership agreement.” thanks from Prime Minister David Cameron. Nessetta (pictured pressure-washing the decking) and Simon Vincent. Key Point Key Point Key Point A further 30 staff members went to • VocaLink in Rickmansworth is • Rebecca Fletcher had a fantastic time Thorpedale to transform the garden where • Our Children’s Centre and the garden supporting Watford Mencap again this performing in the opening ceremony of they removed two full skip loads of brambles at Thorpedale residential home were year – the third year of our partnership’ the Paralympics and weeds, sprayed the patio areas and transformed thanks to volunteers from donated some lovely outdoor plants. the Hilton Hotel group Councillors support Watford Mencap 6 Hertfordshire County Councillors have learned the basics of Makaton, a form of sign Surprise trip to Watford FC given a donation from their locality budgets language, which helped him to communicate Watford footballers Alex Geijo and Stephen – totalling £3,238 – to Watford Mencap. with Hand in Hand member Chloe. McGinn gave four Watford Mencap Every HCC councillor has an annual locality Community Support users the VIP treatment. budget of £10,000 to spend on worthwhile Michah Babbs, Kevin Weller, Danny Price and projects that promote the social, economic Tom Bloxham, plus Support Workers Steve or environmental wellbeing of their Tolliday and Caroline McCooey enjoyed free community. tickets to the Wolverhampton Wanderers So far this year councillors Kareen Hastrick, v Watford match where they sat in the Morris Bright, Mark Watkin, Nigel Bell, Steve President’s Club Box. Drury and Caroline Clapper have donated These great tickets became available after Key Points money in recognition of the support that funeral directors MK Ginder & Sons were • Watford Football Club had some spare people with learning disabilities living in their unable to attend. VIP tickets to a match and invited 6 community get from Watford Mencap. The 6 guests were treated like VIPs, even members and staff of Watford Mencap Their donations have included support for Photo: Stuart Bendig having their photos taken with footballers who had a brilliant time Hand in Hand, after-school Activities, glider Alex Geijo and Stephen McGinn (pictured • The tickets were donated by funeral bikes, a children’s Christmas pantomime trip Key Point with Michah Babbs). and IT workshops for adults. directors MK Ginder & Sons • 6 Hertfordshire County Councillors Steve Tolliday said: “A big thank you to all • To book Watford Mencap’s Community Councillor Watkin, who represents Nascot have given donations totalling £3,238 the staff at Watford Football Club. They Support Service phone Angela or Sharon Park, recently visited the Hand in Hand to Watford Mencap from their locality could not have been any friendlier, or more on 01923 713620 project that he has supported. During his budgets helpful, or made us feel more at home.” visit Councillor Watkin (pictured centre)

8 www.watfordmencap.org.uk telephone 01923 713620 9 . Change a life Christmas fun for Learning Support aids mum and son & Leisure team Support from Watford Mencap is helping to 80 members of Learning and Leisure enjoyed transform the life of mum Louise Woods and with your donation a Christmas party at The Mercure Hotel in her 4-year-old son Liam. Watford. The party room was decorated with Baker Tilly Pippa Kennedy Watford Mencap advisor Dawn Fortune Help Watford Mencap support 500 adults Lorrain Barratt Jarmo Kesanto disco lights and stars, and guests had fun stepped in to help because Liam was making Battlers Green Farm KIDS East and West Hubs wearing celebrity masks. and children with learning disabilities and Saundra Bell Kier Construction a lot of noise in his bedroom, which was their families by making a donation. Jo Birch – AFB PLC Mr and Mrs Kirk Christmas gifts were handed out too. These disturbing the neighbours. Blackrock Knutsford School included some great Monopoly and Hello Kitty £10.50 could provide an hour’s support to reassure Breakspeare School The Lawton Trust Limited Dawn helped Louise, who also has a learning carers over the phone. BSkyB Loudwater Residents mugs. Our thanks to volunteer Jo Birch at AFB disability, to approach the charity DEMAND BSV Jazz Band Association plc who kindly donated the Hello Kitty mugs. £43 could pay for a child to attend a session of Valerie Burdett Matthew Arnold & Baldwin in Abbotts Langley and they kindly built after-school activities. Anne Burke Mercure Hotel Watford a padded wall for Liam’s bedroom and Bushey and Mr and Mrs Minall £128 could pay for one IT session for up to 10 Methodist Church Donations in memory of the anchored his bed to the floor . adults with a learning disability. Cllr Kemal Butt, Chair of Three late Brian Mitson Rivers DC Nihara Murugupillai “Dawn has been very helpful and very Please fill in this form and send to: Capital Shopping Centres Natwest Bank supportive,” said Louise. Dawn is now working Watford Mencap, The Old Town Hall, 105 High CBE Ltd Neighbourly Charitable Trust to get a social worker for Liam and hopes to Street, Rickmansworth, Herts WD3 1AN. Chorleywood Book Shop Parmiter’s School give the family some respite. Or call 01923 713622 www.watfordmencap.org.uk Chorleywood Business PB Conversions Association Mrs Prince Chorleywood Residents David Rees Watford Mencap advisors work with children Association Rickmansworth Rotary and adults with a learning disability, and Name: Christopher Laing Foundation Riley’s Watford their families. If you would like to speak to a Cinnamon Square RM Band – Address: CO-OP Community Fund Betty Seward Watford Mencap advisor, phone Courtland Lodge Ben Robertson 01923 713620 or email Dr Eddington Pam Robertson [email protected] Don Eungblut St Peter’s Church Mill End Zoe Eungblut SKM Studio Everyone who has donated Barry Southcott books/items for eBay Dawn Stewart Sarah Whittle enjoying the Christmas party Post Code: Ross Gemmell Dan Stickland - KPMG Telephone: M K Ginder & Sons Sylvia Adams Charitable Trust John Good Tesco Charity Trust Email: Geeta Goswami James Tetlow Warner Bros donate £20,000 Lynn Green Michelle Tetlow A massive thank you to Warner Bros The Halfway House Adrian Thompson Harefield Gymnastics Academy The Mayor of Watford Dorothy Leavesden Studios who have donated I enclose a cheque for £ Department of Health’s Health Thornhill £20,000 for our work in 2013! The studios made payable to Watford Mencap and Social Care Volunteering Radlett Round Table will be sponsoring our fundraising events, I would like to make a donation of £ Fund Residents and staff of Help a Capital Child Berrywood, Hillside and which allow us to develop cutting-edge by credit card Mark Hemsley Thorpedale services which really meet the needs of the Card number: Hertfordshire Care Providers Three Rivers DC people we support. Association Thrive Homes Start date: Expiry Date: Herts County Council – Aiming Carole Timms High for Disabled Children Mr and Mrs Topping Grant to refurbish shop Security number: Issue number: Herts County Council Locality Townswomen’s Guild We are thrilled to have received a We promise to protect your privacy and will not share your details Budgets: Rickmansworth Berry Community Grant of £1,721.98 from with other organisations. All information you give us is managed in Cllr Nigel Bell Elliot Treacy accordance with the Data Protection Act (1998). We would like to Cllr Morris Bright The late Lady Monica Tuck Hertsmere Borough Council towards keep you informed about our work, however should you wish not to Cllr Caroline Clapper VocaLink essential refurbishment at our Bushey shop. receive such information please tick here. ❏ Cllr Steve Drury Waitrose Rickmansworth Cllr Kareen Hastrick Warner Bros Leavesden Studios Boost for Children’s Centre Cllr Mark Watkin Watford Accordion Band We are delighted to have received a Better Herts County Show Watford Colosseum Herts Inclusive Theatre Watford Community Housing Communities award of £3,574 from Watford Key Points Hertsmere BC Community Grant Trust Community Housing Trust for refurbishment • Watford Mencap advisors are there to Special thanks Herts Parent Carer Involvement Watford Grammar School for of the Children’s Centre soft play area. to Stuart Bendig for taking many of the Hilton Worldwide Boys help children and adults with a learning Hilton in the Community Watford Grammar School for Teenage support from Capital Radio disability photos for In Touch. Foundation Girls Homebase Watford Round Table Capital Radio’s Help a Capital Child has • Advisor Dawn Fortune helped a mother www.stuartbendigphotography.com IBB Solicitors Kevin Weller awarded £2,184 to Hand in Hand, our weekly John Lewis Watford Ian Williams and son to sort out a noise problem they or 01923 499232 or 07951 111874 Alan Jones Mr and Mrs Wyatt youth club for teenagers with learning were having Janice Jones and Roger Jones York House School disabilities.

10 www.watfordmencap.org.uk telephone 01923 713620 11 Talent Corner Regular player at Watford Mencap’s pool club, Paul Whenman, has been invited to join the Beginners’ League at Rileys in Watford. Paul originally played in Learning and Leisure’s ongoing tournament. Group leader David Rees was so impressed that he passed Paul’s name on to Chris Hutchison, Rileys Dear Rebecca, Manager, who invited him to try out for the Will my Disability Living Allowance Beginners’ League. be stopping soon? I currently receive low rate mobility and middle rate care allowances. I am really worried as I rely on this money to help with the costs of day to day living and getting around. The last letter stated that my DLA claim was awarded indefinitely so I am hoping that any changes won’t affect me. Is this right? There are soon going to be changes to Disability Living Allowance. From 2013 DLA will be replaced by the personal independence payment (PIP). These Photo: Richard Owen changes will affect all adults aged 16-64. Paul, who is pictured lining up a shot, now It is important to know that the changes plays for the mainstream league. He enjoys to DLA affect everyone regardless playing against a wide variety of people. of whether you have an indefinite or lifetime award. PIP will be similar to DLA Rileys is open daily, with a different event in that there will be 2 rates: Standard or each night. Chris is keen to offer a service that Enhanced. is available to everyone, offering free entry to carers, and discounts for large groups. The Department of Work and Pensions says that reassessment for PIP will begin in October 2013. Current claims will be Key Points reassessed from this date until spring • Watford Mencap pool club member 2016. If you receive a letter about your DLA Paul Whenman has joined a mainstream during this time, please do not ignore it. pool club Our advice service is happy to help you. • Rileys Club in Watford is keen to offer a telephone 01923 713620 service that is available to everyone, plus Rebecca Perfect manages Watford free entry to carers Mencap’s Advice Services

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