More than 200 local families, supporters and dignitaries came together on 8th April to celebrate 20 years of Playskill transforming the lives of pre school children with physical disabilities, and their families, across the county.

Playskill families, past and present - including some who were part of the charity’s very first pilot group back in 2006 - marked the anniversary at the charity’s Springfest Family Fun Day, held at RMS School for Girls in Rickmansworth.

Playskill’s founder, Andrea Clarke MBE, Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor, and Mayor of Dacorum Catherine McArevey joined families, staff, trustees & supporters to recognise the charity’s impact over two decades.

Founded 20 years ago with just six children in a single pilot group, Playskill has grown in to a vital early intervention service. Last year, helping 116 children across six weekly groups, delivering more than 16,000 hours of therapeutic support, and supporting 222 children and families across all its services. With hundreds of children in the county eligible for the service, Playskill plans to triple the number of families reached, and triple the number of interventions it provides, in the next three years. More than 2,000 children & families have benefited from Playskill’s support since its inception.

Running groups in both Watford & Hemel, plus outreach work and events across the county, Playskill develops vital communication, movement and life skills to physically disabled children. It does this through free, specialist play based sessions with expert therapies (physio, occupational and speech & language therapies), at home support, training and respite events, and wraparound family support.

Springfest reflected everything the charity stands for: an inclusive, joyful space where families feel safe, supported and understood. Children enjoyed hands on activities, crafts and games, with brand new toys, Easter eggs, and refreshments generously donated by local businesses. Children joined football sessions donated by The Graham Stack Soccer Academy, visited Three Rivers Police and enjoyed performances by Herts Inclusive Theatre.

Springfest, now in its third year, is just one of the many events the charity runs throughout the year to reduce isolation and help build a vital support network for the whole family.

The event was made possible thanks to the generosity of so many including Warner Bros. Studio Tour London for sponsoring the event, RMS for Girls & Ruspini House for providing the venue, event support & volunteers alongside all the generous donations.

Speaking at the event, Playskill founder Andrea Clarke MBE, said:
“At the heart of Playskill has always been a passion for early intervention – making the most effective change at the right time in children’s lives so they can reach their potential. Twenty years ago, that passion brought together a volunteer team of therapists and parents to form a pilot group in April 2006. The impact on children and families was powerful. Now those early children are reaching adulthood and we are incredibly proud of what they’ve achieved. Twenty years on, this model is still thriving and changing lives.”

CEO, Niki Michael added:
“In our 20th anniversary year, Playskill continues to be a lifeline for families across Hertfordshire. Our early intervention work has never been more vital. Springfest alone saw a 41% increase in family attendance, highlighting just how strong the need is for connection in a space where families feel safe and supported. We are determined to be here for the next 20 years and beyond. It is a privilege to lead this charity knowing the difference our work makes every single day.”

Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, praised the charity’s impact, saying:
“It was fantastic to celebrate Playskill’s 20th anniversary with the local community. Playskill provides vital support for children and families in our town, and I want to thank the team for everything they’ve achieved over the past two decades. Their work helps children develop key skills and enjoy life to the fullest.”

Cllr Catherine McArevey
"Warmest congratulations on reaching this remarkable 20 year milestone. Over the years both as Mayor and a nurse, I have seen first-hand the significant difference you make to the children and families across Hertfordshire. Your dedication, compassion, inclusivity, and unwavering commitment have had a lasting and meaningful impact on our community. This anniversary is not only a celebration of your achievements but also a testament to the lives you continue to change for the better. Thank you for all that you do."

Playskill Patron & Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Robert Voss CBE CStJ, Robert Voss
“I have greatly admired the work of Playskill since I first visited them in Watford about 10 years ago. I recall sitting cross-legged on the floor singing 'The Wheels of the Bus'. I have also sat in Santa’s Grotto evidencing the sheer joy on many little faces.

Over that last decade I have seen how the charity has grown and matured to become such an important place on which so many families rely. I was honoured to be asked to be their Patron to which I readily agreed. The support they give to whole families is so important and what I particularly like is the way that siblings, who are often forgotten, are included in the activities."

Families said:
Sue Oakey, mum to Dan – a child to attend the very first pilot group in 2006:
“Playskill gave us a safe space to grow as a family and the confidence to help Dan reach his full potential – it truly changed our lives.”

Juliette Woolf, mum to Rio who attended 2009-2012, now aged 17:
“Playskill gave me the strength, knowledge and support to fight for what my son needed – and it changed what we believed was possible for our family.”

Amy, mum to Madison – currently attending Playskill:
“Knowing we are part of a supportive, compassionate community has lifted a huge emotional weight from our shoulders and renewed our sense of hope for Maidson’s future.”

Olivia, mum to Noah – currently attending Playskill:
“Playskill makes you feel so welcomed. It’s such a happy place and an amazing support system.”