Care and support

The Shepherd Centre

Middleton Road
Rickmansworth
Herts WD3 8JF
(Click on the link on the right called 'See a map of this area' and zoom in on the map to show the exact location)
Tel: 01923 354616
Fax: 01923 897624
E-mail: shepherd.dayservice@hertscc.gov.uk

Hertfordshire County Council’s Shepherd Centre provides services for up to 70 adults with learning disabilities daily.

People from in and around south west Hertfordshire, some who have profound physical and/or sensory disabilities or who are potentially independent attend the centre between one and five days a week. The centre is open Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm, except for bank holidays.

We build on people’s abilities and enable them to make more choices and to develop their skills. We do this within a safe, caring and supportive environment and in a way that gives encouragement, builds self-confidence and skills and treats each person with respect. Our aim is to improve the quality of life for everyone that uses our centre and its services.

People have different needs so the service we provide is tailored to the individual. We have many opportunities on offer including building social skills, leisure activities and promoting independence.

We run a large range of activities including arts and crafts, sports, cooking, gardening, computing, massage, current affairs, self-esteem, dance, sewing and knitting, drama and cinema.

We help people to get involved in activities outside the centre like shopping, library, swimming, sports centre, garden centre, bowling, horse riding and the farm. Special day trips are also organised during the year.

We encourage choice and greater independence at our off-site unit in Watford where people are encouraged to travel independently and make decisions about their own day care activities.

People are also offered the opportunity to discover new interests through college courses and Employment Direct, a service which offers those with a disability who live in Hertfordshire, recruitment, training, advice and support.

We have a Special Care Unit for people who have a physical and/or sensory disability. It provides a safe and comfortable environment, with a calming mixture of light, visual images and sound. We also have a purpose built multi-sensory room. Those people who use this service benefit from a higher staffing ratio.

Within the regular programme, provision is made for elderly people to participate fully in sessions. These elderly users of our service also benefit from a higher staff ratio and are encouraged to develop and maintain their skills, mobility and independence.

Every centre user is allocated a linkworker, a member of staff who provides individual support. Everyone also has a care plan, agreed with them, and tailored to their individual needs which is reviewed regularly.

There is no provision for lunch at the centre and people are welcome to bring a packed lunch. Hot and cold drinks can be bought throughout the day from vending machines.

The centre is fully accessible for anyone with mobility problems, including wheelchair users.

We ask people not to smoke at any of our establishments. There are designated areas where smoking is allowed outside the buildings.

Transport is not automatically provided for people attending Adult Care Services. User’s needs will be assessed by the local Adult Care Services Area Teams to see if any support is needed with travel, and a variety of options will be explored. Where it is identified that the person requires specialist transport, the Area Team worker will arrange for it. Where transport is provided by Adult Care Services there is a charge to the person of £2 per return journey if they are assessed as being able to pay.

People who use the centre are regularly involved in consultation through a series of forums. This is how we find out their needs and wishes about their day service. Regular reviews of their individual Care Plans also provide valuable information to assist in the planning of future services

For more information, or to arrange a visit, please contact us directly on 01923 354616.

If you would like to attend you need to contact your social worker or occupational therapist. Alternatively you can contact our Customer Service Centre, details can be found by clicking on the link on this page entitled 'Contact ACS'.