A woman from Royston says a new drop-in centre she established for young people with learning disabilities has provided a safe and friendly place for her daughter to socialise.

Linda Hall set up RJs+ as she felt there was a lack of help available in the town for teenagers with disabilities.

The Mencap membership officer said: “I used to take my 17-year-old daughter Regan to a youth club in Hitchin, as there was nothing in Royston, but that is quite far to travel for a lot of people.

“I thought: We need to get something for young adults here.

“If you have a child with additional needs, then you understand that they can feel quite isolated. The drop-in centre is just a great way for these guys to chill out with their friends.

“They are not going to feel excluded at the centre.

“It makes them feel part of the community.

“My daughter can hang out with her friends from college.

“One day her dad came down to the centre and said: Let’s have a game of pool. She’d never normally do that.

“You’d usually have to ask her she was planning quite far in advance.

“But the drop-in centre is in a building she is familiar with.”

Linda would like to thank Mencap and the Open House Project for helping to set up the centre, as well as her family and friends for their support.

The drop-in centre at 4 Market Hill is for people aged 15 to 27. The carers do not have to stay with the young adults unless they need constant support.

There is no need to book in advance, you can just walk in and stay for as long as you like.

There’s plenty to do with a games console, pool table, games tables, tennis and football all on offer.

The next drop-in centre will be held next Thursday, April 23 from 6pm until 8pm. The sessions following that date will be held on Monday, April 27, from 4pm until 6.30pm, Thursday, May 7, from 6pm to 8pm, Monday, May 11, from 4pm to 6.30pm, Thursday, May 21, from 6pm until 8pm and Thursday, May 28, from 6pm until 8pm.

Depending on its success, Linda may extend the dates and continue running the service for longer. To find out more, email lindaj42@live.co.uk.