A Watford-based theatre company for people with physical and learning disabilities has won a championing change award.

Charity Herts Inclusive Theatre (HIT), who puts on shows in Watford and Rickmansworth, won the award for its trailblazing performance opportunities for people with disabilities.

The charity also aims through the performances of participants to change the perceptions of the public about what those with disabilities can do.

By holding performances in venues such as St James Theatre in Watford, Watersmeet in Rickmansworth and The Ark Theatre in Borehamwood, HIT has showcased the talents of their performers and wowed the public.

On mum said HIT had given her son “a purpose in life”.

She said: “Since my son joined HIT he has become more confident but more importantly he now has a purpose in life and has already taken the lead in one of HIT’s performances.

“This all comes after a multitude of surgeries and two years being both bed bound and house bound.

“My son has never performed on stage before but felt so at home, even overcoming being ill on the day of the performance, he took to the stage professionally and with pride.

“HIT has provided a safe, enjoyable ‘family’ that meets every week, just as any other friends meet and enjoying partaking in activities.”

HIT runs drama workshops which are open to everyone, and where participants can express themselves creatively in an environment where difference from others is welcomed and supported.

For participants, the theatre company aims to provide a safe place where they can learn new skills and interact with others without feeling that they don’t fit in, which they sometimes feel elsewhere.

The charity has helped people with disabilities raise their aspirations, and inspired carers to more actively support those they work with.

They have also challenged the perceptions of the volunteers that help to run the theatre workshops. often young people working towards awards like the Duke of Edinburgh Awards, offering them skills and experiences of supporting people with disabilities that will benefit society for years to come.

The Lloyds Bank Foundation east of England award for charity achievement means HIT will attend the UK final in London.

In a statement, the Lloyds Bank Foundation said: “The Charity Achievement Awards have been created to recognise the amazing, life changing work of small and medium sized charities. The winners were selected from a strong field of charities across the region because of their achievements.”