Watford & District Mencap has received £1,170 to fund a series of workshops for adults with a learning disability in the Watford and Three Rivers area.
The donation was provided by The Discovery Foundation, supported by Santander, which offers grants to UK registered charities for projects that help disadvantaged people in local communities.
Watford & District Mencap helps local people with a learning disability to make the most out of life. The grant will provide a series of workshops focusing on healthy eating, awareness of dietary needs, and where to find support to maintain good health. Individuals with learning disabilities are more at risk of conditions such as coronary heart disease, obesity and diabetes so the workshops are key in helping to prevent these illnesses.
Michelle Hamilton at Watford & District Mencap said: "We’re very grateful to The Discovery Foundation for this grant which will enable us to run some fun and interactive workshops, providing support and information on the importance of a healthy lifestyle. The course fits very well alongside other activities such as exercise classes and our allotment as part of our objective to highlight choices that people with learning disabilities can make to live a healthier, happier life."
James Drake, Director Manager at Santander’s Rickmansworth branch said: “The Discovery Foundation makes hundreds of donations every year to good causes throughout the UK. Our branch is committed to playing a key part in the community and we are delighted to be supporting Watford & District Mencap, and hope the donation makes a real difference to local people.”
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Notes to Editors:
Media Contact
Sarah Webster at Santander Tel: 020 7756 5533
Michelle Hamilton at Watford & District Mencap Tel. 01923 713620
About Watford & District Mencap
Watford & District Mencap is a local independent charity for people with learning disabilities and their families and carers living in South West Hertfordshire. Our aim is to enable all local people with a learning disability and their families to make the most of life. We believe that they have the right to enjoy equal opportunities and be valued as members of society, enabling them to lead the kind of life they want for themselves.
Founded in 1951 we have a track record of providing high quality services and support.
Our staff are well trained and highly motivated. They understand the needs of the people they work with and always work with each individual to help them reach their full potential.
We support more than 800 local people with learning disabilities and their families each year by providing residential accommodation, learning and leisure activities, advice & information, children’s services including after-school club, youth club, under 5s group and holiday play schemes. For more information please visit: www.watfordmencap.org.uk
The Discovery Foundation
Santander funds The Discovery Foundation which is at the heart of the Bank’s community activities, providing grants to small charities and social enterprises working with disadvantaged people to fund skills, knowledge and innovation projects across the UK. Discovery Grants of up to £5,000 are available to support three types of activity:
- Explorer: improving people’s knowledge
- Transformer: supporting skills and experience
- Changemaker: innovative solutions to social challenges
The Discovery Foundation, which was launched on 1 March 2016, is the new working name of the Santander Foundation. Over the last five years, the Foundation has provided £25 million in funding to 12,600 UK charities and in 2016 a further £5 million will be available through Discovery Grants and Staff Matched Donations. For more information please visit: www.thediscoveryfoundation.org.uk
Santander UK is a financial services provider in the UK that offers a wide range of personal and commercial financial products and services. It has brought real competition to the UK, through its 1|2|3 products for retail customers and relationship banking model for UK SMEs. As at 31 December 2015, Santander UK was one of the most switched to banks. The bank serves more than 14 million active customers with c. 20,000 employees and operates through 857 branches and 70 regional Corporate Business Centres. Santander UK is subject to the full supervision of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) in the UK. Santander UK plc customers are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) in the UK.