A charity from Watford which runs playgroups for disabled children has launched a public appeal to help it secure vital funding.

Playskill is a charity which runs free specialist playgroups for pre-school children with physical disability or developmental delay, with support for parents and the whole family.

There are currently five groups held every week in Watford and Hemel Hempstead, helping 41 children with disability each term. The groups also support children from the surrounding areas.

Playskill says there is an urgent need for the existing groups to continue running whilst also dealing with a growing waiting list and more referrals.

The charity is bidding for a £25,000 award from the Aviva Community Fund, which would cover running costs for a group for one year.

Andrea Clarke, Playskill’s founder and director, said “We are in great need of support to continue our work with local children with physical difficulty or delay, we have a significant waiting list and we know that every child has a whole family worrying about that child.

“With the expertise Playskill brings, each child will make significant progress, and their family will be equipped with the support and skills to dramatically change the situation. Please partner with us to make that change.”

The group enables children with disability or delay to benefit from vital therapy and support, helps them gain skills for life, and reach their true potential.

It also helps families access valuable practical and emotional support, helping to reduce the stress and isolation they often experience.

The public are encouraged to show their support for Playskill via the online vote, with the winning projects being those that secure the most votes.

Voting is open now and closes on November 21. To vote for Playskill go to https://www.avivacommunityfund.co.uk/voting/project/view/17-1862