07 Mar 2026
A blue plaque has been unveiled in Harpenden to honour the pioneering founder of the Royal Mencap Society and, later local charity Harpenden Mencap.
Members of the Harpenden Mencap community attended the unveiling to celebrate the work of Judy Fryd and learn more about the woman whose vision helped create the supportive community they are part of today.
Find out more about her story here.
The event also highlighted the continuing importance of local charities in supporting people with learning disabilities throughout their lives.
Since 1959, Harpenden Mencap has been leading the way in supporting learning disabled people locally, helping people live comfortably in their own homes, supporting learning, life skills, health and hobbies, relationships, employment and more. The charity is proud to provide more than 93,000 hours of care each year, none of which would be possible without the generosity and collaboration of local partners, councils, volunteers and businesses.
Harpenden Mencap chief executive Angela Duce said: “Every day the people we support inspire us; we are ambitious for our community. We’re eager to empower them to control the future, building on the seed that was sown by Judy 80 years ago.”
Head of supported living at Harpenden Mencap Claire Wilson said: “Today was a truly fabulous opportunity to come together and recognise Judy Fryd’s legacy. What Judy once imagined is now being lived – people with learning disabilities living their best, most fulfilling lives here in Harpenden.”
Penny has been supported by Harpenden Mencap for the last 30 years. She enjoyed the unveiling as it was a chance to get out and meet other people. She said: “It’s nice having a plaque in celebration of a person who helped those with learning disabilities.”
Harpenden Mencap will celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2029. The changing needs of its community have helped start the process of redevelopment for its oldest Supported Living site, Stairways. The charity plans to build not just new homes but new communities too, aiming to increase its provision local people with learning disabilities. You can help make this happen by donating: https://tinyurl.com/HarpendenMencap-Donate
