Mindroom
Mindroom is a charity that deals with learning difficulties. It was founded by Sophie Dow, who has been nominated for the Beacon Award. Sophie is a woman with an extraordinary vision. By the year 2020 Mindroom plans to create such an awareness and understanding, that all children with learning difficulties are recognised and helped. No mean feat when you realise that at least 5 children in every school class have some form of learning difficulty.
The relationship between Helen and Sophie first began when Sophie's compulsive shoe-buying habit led her to Helen Bateman in William Street. During one of these many visits Sophie told Helen about the charity she planned to set up called 'Mindroom'. Over the course of time Sophie's dream became a reality through her immense determination and commitment.
Helen's admiration for Sophie, both for her extraordinary vision and also as a parent (Sophie has two children with learning difficulties) compelled her to become involved with the charity in some way.
From here the idea of creating a shoe-label especially for Mindroom was born. The 'Helen Bateman Mindroom' label was first launched in 2002 and we have designed a shoe each year since then. All profit from the sales of this shoe is donated to the charity. Both Sophie and Helen have found great mutual benefit from the awareness created by The Helen Bateman Mindroom label. It has proven a very effective way of raising the profile of the charity whilst at the same time creating a real publicity buzz for the shop.
As a small business Helen Bateman is proud to support this amazing and immensely worthwhile cause.