High Sheriff Visits Watford Mencap Children's Centre (From Watford Observer)

High Sheriff Visits Watford Mencap Children's Centre

10:20am Tuesday 26th June 2012 in Charity

Watford Mencap welcomed The Hon Arabella Stuart-Smith, High Sheriff of Hertfordshire, to Watford Mencap Children’s Centre in North Watford on Tuesday 19th June.

Mrs Stuart-Smith visited in Learning Disability week to find out about the work of Watford Mencap and how children with a learning disability and their families are supported. The Children were fascinated by Mrs Stuart-Smith’s uniform, in particular her hat.

Learning Disability Week 2012 focused for a second time on Hate Crime. 9 out of 10 children with a learning disability have been bullied. It is an opportunity to put hate crime at the top of the Police agenda and for people with a learning disability, and their families to build stronger relationships with the police.

‘We work with the children to give them a safe place to be themselves and to build their self-esteem’, says Sarah Fishwick, the Centre’s acting Manager.

Watford Mencap welcomes all children no matter how severe their disability and helps them to achieve all they can. It also supports the families, giving them some respite for a couple of hours. As one parent mentioned, the hours spent being able to give attention to their other children was like a whole weekend.

Mrs Stuart-Smith said,’ I am pleased to be visiting during Learning Disability Week and to help raise the profile of Watford Mencap and hate crime. It is tragic that children with a learning disability are bullied due to lack of knowledge and understanding. I had great fun with the children. Watford Mencap Children’s Centre is a great place and it is essential for parents to receive some respite.’