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Thank you James Colasanti for such a beautiful article, showcasing what H.A.D is all about, and allowing our lovely clients to be involved and express their very valuable opinions. We will always try and go 'above and beyond' when supporting our clients and hope we continue to do so.

Please read his article below.

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The Friendship Cafe at MyPlace that is everyone’s cup of tea

November 12, 2025

“WE don’t turn anyone away here.”

That was the simple answer to the question: Who can come to the Friendship Cafe?

It tells you pretty much all you need to know about one of RM3’s shiniest of hidden gems – the Havering Association for People with Disabilities (H.A.D) group which meets Wednesdays at MyPlace in Harold Hill.

It is on between 11am and 1pm and its brilliant regulars are aged 18 to 88.

Up to 40 people go every week to do arts, crafts and bingo – and take part in a highly competitive game of boccia (think bowls without the fuss!).

They are just as awesome as you might imagine. It is wall-to-wall interesting, engaging and amusing characters. Some shy, many anything but.

One young man called James sat listening intently to every word of the interview for this article before telling the room with more than a hint of surprise in his voice that “it was actually quite interesting stuff”.

Brilliant.

James sat next to John, an 88-year-old from Harold Hill engrossed in his newspaper crossword throughout…. until the bourbon and custard creams showed up, that is.

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At the head of the long table was Emily, an endearing young lady who knew everything about everyone at H.A.D, and the heartbeat of the group.

And when Jackie and Liam showed off their boccia skill it prompted a cheer from everyone, along with a beautiful smile from Disney-fan Comfort.

One guy was particularly adamant he was not to be photographed, then “been coming from day one” club legend Michael was persuaded to get up and join a group shot.

Rest assured, there were many, many more who were worth ten minutes of anyone’s time for a chat and a laugh over the readily available cups of tea.

Wendy O’Regan, 72, a retired PA who has been a volunteer with H.A.D for four years, said: “It is such a lovely group and there is always so much positivity here.

“I go to all the outings and events, I’m happy to give my time. I get so much back in return. It helps keep me positive and focussed, for a start.

“It has also helped me see the world in a different way, too. Like when I’m out with my husband I often say how poor wheelchair access is in a lot of places.

“I guess it teaches you to appreciate things from a different perspective.”

H.A.D, in a previous iteration, started 56 years ago and is now a registered charity and limited company with a H.Q. at Whittaker Hall in Hornchurch.

It also runs a chair-based exercise class at St John’s Church in South Hornchurch and is looked after by nine very community-minded Trustees.

But star of the show might just be three-year-old therapy dog Luna, pet of H.A.D manager Cheryl Cable and big fan of cuddles (according to Emily).

Sadly, the group’s current funding is due to end in January 2026 and they are always thrilled to hear from potential benefactors and fundraisers.

The next coffer-booster planned is a golf day at the Maylands course (near the Brook Street roundabout) next summer and you can sign-up now by emailing H.A.D project lead Nicola McGhee by clicking here.

 

Former banker Nicola, 46, has worked with H.A.D since Covid’s lockdown in summer 2020.

She has even managed to talk her daughter Maisie, 16, and son Arthur, 14, into helping out. Parenting award incoming…

H.A.D also welcomes carers, especially those who look after family members, and there is dedicated support for them at Havering Carers’ Hub.

Nicola explained: “Carers are always welcome. They are vital and important and you can see many here today.

“And the truth is we don’t turn anyone away here. All they have to do is show up.

“It is for people with physical disabilities, of course, but also for those with mental health issues, and we have seen a big spike in that area since the pandemic.

“But I love it here. It’s brilliant. And after working at a big firm in London for most of my career it is very rewarding and a nice change of pace.”

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