A PILOT scheme which aims to improve the leisure time and social life of people with learning disabilities is being lauded a huge success as organisers celebrate its first anniversary.

Leisure Together, which was launched in February last year in Bushey and Radlett, has proved so popular in the monitored area that it could soon be extended to Watford and Three Rivers.

Volunteers, who are matched with participants with similar interests to act as leisure companions, are toasting the success of the scheme which has already helped about 40 people to take part in a wide range of activities.

In the two Hertsmere districts, 77 people with learning disabilities were identified for the scheme and 40 of these have been interviewed.

They suggested more than 30 activities which they would like to take part in with volunteers, such as dog walking, cycling proficiency, attending concerts and gardening.

The scheme, which is managed by MENCAP, is jointly funded by Social Services and the West Herts Health Authority who have guaranteed their financial support until January 1999.

Project co-ordinator Mrs Rosemary Mackenzie-Corby, of Wayside Avenue, Bushey, said: "We are delighted with the success of the scheme and especially impressed with the attitude and response from local schools.

"I did not imagine I would ever get so many volunteers - it is a real success story.

"The idea is to match a person with learning disabilities with a volunteer with similar interests. We want to get away from people being taken out in groups of eight or nine which was very stigmatising. The volunteers can be a friend who they can do normal leisure activities with."

Leisure Together helps young people over the age of 14 and still needs volunteers who are keen to share their hobbies and leisure time.

Each volunteer will be carefully matched to a participant by the scheme co-ordinator according to their interests.

One of the first volunteers to take part in the scheme was Mrs Jan Timlett from Elstree.

She said: "I was matched with a young girl, Alison, who was interested in dog walking, as I have two large dogs.

"Now she comes to me and does whatever I am doing and just enjoys being my friend. She gets a lot out of it and so do I.

"At first there is a fear of embarrassment, but it is the opposite. She makes me laugh, it increases her quality of life and enables her to be independent for one day a week."

Mrs Mackenzie-Corby added: "We are keen to attract more volunteers who are keen to do anything, ranging from shopping and going to the cinema to taking someone to Watford Football Club games.

"The only thing we ask is that the volunteers have a genuine regard for people with learning disabilities and are prepared to make a regular commitment."

To join Leisure Together or volunteer for the scheme, call Mrs Mackenzie-Corby on 0181-950 0640.

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