(Photo credit - My News)
Local MP Dean Russell joined Watford Mencap to celebrate their new Hub, their belated 70th birthday and the culmination of Learning Disability Week.
Watford Mencap was started in 1951 by a group of local parents as a local group of the Hertfordshire Branch of the ‘National Association of Parents of Backward Children’ which had been created in 1950.
In 1955 the National Association was changed to ‘The National Society for Mentally Handicapped Children’ and local groups were formalised. During the sixties Watford Mencap was at the forefront of actively campaigning for services nationally, while also developing services of their own.
The organisation became known has Watford & District Mencap and grew again during the 1990’s with a small office opening in Rickmansworth, more properties for supported living as well as other community services being started including the Community Support Service and Leisure Together.
In 2005 the organisation changed its name to Watford Mencap and Head Office moved to larger premises in Rickmansworth. Change continued to be part of Watford Mencap, with another move for the Head Office to the Old Town Hall in 2009. They are now based at the former Nascot Lawn site, having moved there in 2021.
Following the celebrations Watford MP Dean Russell said “I cannot speak highly enough of this fantastic organisation. Their tireless work which provides services to hundreds of children, young people, and adults with learning disabilities is so important not just to the service users, but also to their families and support systems.
"It was great to mark their 70th birthday and I am certain they will continue to thrive and play a vital role in their new home.”
