The chief executive of a disability charity from Kings Langley has been nominated for a community award.
Mel Boda created Electric Umbrella in 2013 with partner Tom Billington (both pictured) who have been jointly nominated for Charity Worker of the Year at Watford Borough Council’s Audentior Awards.
Recognising a lack of opportunity for adults with learning difficulties to express themselves Mel is passionate about helping those in need.
She said: “I’m really proud to be nominated to be honest. The council have helped massively to get Electric Umbrella to where it is today.
“Our weekly sessions fill a big gap in lots of ways; by providing meaningful social interaction and purpose for people over 18 with learning difficulties and changing the way we think about disabilities.
“We’re interested in influencing people’s perceptions so when we go to perform at Watford Palace Theatre, at festivals or in schools throughout the year, we want to impact the 20 to 30 thousand people we see every year about adults with disabilities.
“I’ve had a baby in the last year and I founded the charity when my eldest was born so leading an organisation with a baby stuck to my side is an achievement to be proud of in itself.”
Electric Umbrella has become a community for its 60 members extended families, support networks and the hundreds of others who experience the joy of seeing them perform at gigs and events.
Ruth Davies, also from Kings Langley has been nominated in the Pride in Watford category for the countless hours she gives up to children, families and staff at Beechfield School.
She teaches the children to growing their own vegetables and caring for plants and is an advocate for bringing recycling into daily activity.
The awards ceremony for the Watford Borough Council’s Audentior Awards is a glittering celebration that takes place at Watford Colosseum on Friday, October 11 where the winners will be announced.
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