Playskill moves service into former Nascot Lawn respite centre

Playskill, which offers support for children in Hertfordshire with physical difficulties and delays, can now be found at Langley Road, Watford, moving into the former Nascot Lawn building along with Watford Mencap.

Before Mencap moved into the site last year, the Nascot Lawn building was empty ever since the respite centre closed in 2018, despite a campaign from parents to save it, which went all the way to the High Court.

For Playskill’s children and their families, relocating gives them access to the newly renovated facilities with all mod cons, a sensory room and a wonderful large outdoor space.

Earlier last year, Watford Mencap confirmed it would move to the former respite centre. Credit: Stephen Danzig/Watford Observer Camera Club

The service will continue to provide children aged one to five with the support they need to communicate, walk and have fun.

Playskill also provides essential training and advice for parents, enabling them to practice the therapies at home, and supporting as they navigate NHS & education services.

Andrea Clarke, Playskill’s founder and director, said: “It’s a historic week for Playskill, leaving our home of 15 years where I first discussed my idea for the charity.

“We have grown from a pilot group for 8 children in 2006 to running six groups in both Watford and Hemel Hempstead, now supporting more than 60 children and their families per term.

“Our new home at Langley Road is an exciting chapter where we will continue to change people’s lives thanks to the generosity of local supporters, without whom we could not provide this lifeline.”