The star of the morning was a young man called Kelsey who is 8years old and has been blind for the past couple of years.  Kelsey is a local celebrity in Watford, as he received a "Well Child Award for Bravery" from Prince Harry at a ceremony at a large hotel in Park Lane last year.  Kelsey has also been interviewed by local papers and has had his photograph in the Watford Observer.

 

Kelsey is supported by Out & About Inclusion Co-ordinator, Philippa, at a play scheme in South Oxhey near his home.  He said he has great fun joining in all the activities including the bouncy castle, hand and foot painting, water bomb painting and dodge ball.  After Kelsey gave a brilliant talk, he answered a few questions about his involvement with Out & About.  He also took part in the discussion groups about barriers to children and young people accessing mainstream leisure activities and how to overcome them.  Kelsey said he really enjoyed the day and thinks it was useful.

 

Steve Allman, chief executive of Out & About opened the event with a presentation about their work in Hertfordshire and John O'Loughlin, Head of Disabled Children's Services for Hertfordshire County Council was also on hand to update delegates on the progress of the Aiming High programme in Hertfordshire.

 

At the end of the inclusion workshop, participants all completed a post card which contained a promise; something each person could do to try and make their own service more inclusive.  These will be posted back to them in about a months time, as reminder of what they said they would do.  Let's hope they carry them out!