Watford charities given share of £11,000 rotary club funding

Ten organisations were celebrated by the Rotary Club of Watford at West Herts College Restaurant, Watford, on Wednesday night.

Representatives and rotarians enjoyed a three-course meal courtesy of college students before 10 awards were presented by president David Silverston.

He said: "These local charities do fantastic work for the community without asking for recognition. Watford Rotary is proud to support them and to bring to the attention of the community the enormous benefits and impact they have."

Here is a round up of the beneficiaries and their reading on the night:

Cathartic: Maria Todesco and Nicky Day

A dynamic charity with a mission to strengthen individuals in Watford, Hertsmere and Three Rivers where complex, multiple issues exist. This incredible list includes life-threatening illness, mental health, domestic violence, drug and alcohol abuse, bereavement, social isolation, children's health/development and family breakdown.

Maria Todesco and Nicky Day, of Cathartic, collect £1,500 from Rotary Club of Watford president David Silverston. (Image: Newsquest)

Playskills: Andrea Clarke MBE

Is a local charity providing expert support, training and respite for pre-school children who have physical delays or disabilities. They support families and children aged 10 months to five years.

Andrea Clarke MBE, founder of Playskill, collects a cheque from Rotary Club of Watford president David Silverston. (Image: Newsquest)

Watford Sheltered Workshop: 

Is proud to have been providing supported employment, work and life skills training to adults with disabilities since 1964. They are unique and give adults with disabilities something we take for granted - a job. It gives them purpose, a reason to get up in the morning, it helps social skills and develops a social circle that builds long term friendships. It makes a huge difference to someone's inclusion in society, mental health and wellbeing.

Linda McIntyre, of Watford Sheltered Workshop, picks up a cheque from rotary club president David Silverston. (Image: Newsquest)

Herts Inclusive Theatre: Caroline Stevens

Uses the arts and wellbeing practices to build confidence, develop skill and gives participants and their families memorable, enjoyable life experiences where everyone is encouraged, valued, supported and has a part to play. This includes working with people with mental health problems, young people not in education employment or training and interactive storytelling with their Story Den sessions.

Caroline Stevens, from Herts Inclusive Theatre, collects the donation from Rotary Club of Watford president David Silverston. (Image: Newsquest)

Watford Foodbank: Andrew Tranter

The role of the foodbank is crucial in the present economic conditions. But we're sure, also along with the foodbank, that we look forward to the day when it will no longer be necessary. But in the meantime, they are doing an amazing job.

Andrew Tranter, of Watford Foodbank, collects his charity donation. (Image: Newsquest)

Peace Hospice: Peter Dawson 

This is a charity Watford Rotary is proud to support and have a personal connection to. Rotarian Dr Robin Gain who, unfortunately, passed away recently was a founding member of the Watford Peace Hospice and would be proud to see how the hospice has grown and the variety of services it now provides.

Peter Dawson, from the Peace Hospice, collects the donation from Rotary Club of Watford president David Silverston. (Image: Newsquest)

Watford and Three Rivers Refugee Partnership:

Many of their clients are destitute, homeless and have no access to assistance from the government. Their mission is to provide access to advice and essential services until statutory services are in place.

Actar Dinata (collected on behalf of Tim Whittaker) receives the cheque on behalf of Watford and Three Rivers Refugee Partnership. (Image: Newsquest)

Guideposts: Actar Dinata (on behalf od Justine Fellows)

Specialists in mental health issues including dementia, they work from the Hub in Henry Smith House, Watford. It provides a supportive space for for people with mental health conditions, with the aim to improve wellbeing, reduce social isolation and help people find a greater purpose in life.

Clitheroe Dementia Day Centre/Age UK: Kerry James

Having had a family member suffer from dementia, plus one of the Rotary Internationals projects for 2023 is mental health and dementia, it gives me great pleasure to present this cheque.

Kerry James, on behalf of Age UK's Clitheroe Dementia Day Centre, collects a welcome donation. (Image: Newsquest)

The Sunflower Social Club: Lauren Fox and Luther Blissett OBE

Started by  Lauren Fox and Luther Blissett, the club provides comfort and support for Ukrainian refugees and I'm sure they don't need me to explain how important that is. Watford Rotary is supporting their vision of starting education classes for children from Ukraine to ensure they do not forget their culture and heritage after spending time in the UK. They intend to start cookery classes for Ukrainian food. 

Lauren Fox and Luther Blissett, who both founded The Sunflower Social Club, receive the charity donation from David Silverston. (Image: Newsquest)

A three-course meal on the night was served by students at West Herts College Restaurant. They also provided exemplary table service.