News

Harrow Association of Disabled People marks its 50^th birthday with an event at Folk at The Palm House, Harrow.

The organisation has been operational since 1972. Over the past 50 years, it has helped thousands of disabled people each year access information, advice, and support, providing high-quality services that focus on delivering disabled people equal opportunities and the right to live independently.

DTZ Investors co-living fund (COLIV) launched Folk and its first co-living site, The Palm House in Harrow, North London, earlier this year. Working with Halcyon Development Partners, we selected HAD as Folks first charity partner soon after.

COLIV Investment Director Chris Saunders said, “we partnered with HAD as part of our community engagement programme which is funded through our commitment to reinvest 1% of operating profits back into the community”

"When we heard about HAD's plans to mark their 50th year with a special event, we knew we could help. Over 100 people, including Mayor of Harrow, Cllr Ghazanfar Ali, were welcomed through the doors of The Palm House to celebrate this incredible organisation, and we're pleased to say it was a great success!"

A temporary information centre was erected in the site's co-working space where guests could obtain the latest information about impairment services and entitlements. Speeches followed, gathering a large and engaged audience. Gladys Janes MBE guided the audience through HAD's rich history. With 50 years of service, she was undeniably the most qualified person to deliver it! But perhaps most memorable of all was hearing the first-hand account from a member attending their first public event in two years, who, before being directed to HAD's services, told a raw tale of barely surviving through lockdown that many people would find relatable. A humbling account that reminds us why this partnership is so important.

Louise Weldon, Chief Executive Officer at HAD, said: “It has been wonderful to form a relationship with DTZ Investors, Folk Co-living, and Halcyon Development Partners so that we can collaboratively work together to support disabled people within Harrow. Becoming a dedicated partner of the Community Investment Programme at The Palm House in Harrow has given HAD (Harrow Association of Disabled People) use of meeting rooms, space for staff members to work and an opportunity to hold events in the property throughout the year, which will help us enormously. We do not have any meeting rooms so this partnership will be invaluable. In return we are looking forward to providing workshops, training, and information on disability issues. In the longer term we hope that residents of The Palm House will gain more of an understanding about the barriers disabled people face in society”

The Palm House will offer residents the chance to volunteer for opportunities with the charity, and several residents were on hand at HAD’s 50^th event to help the sites first-class café and bar team in Mule serve food and drinks to guests as they enjoyed a full day’s programme that included an evening of live music and entertainment.