A BERKSHIRE charity that supports children and young people with disabilities, and their families, is seeking help to bring to life its ambitious new project.
Building For The Future (BFTF) urgently needs to raise £150,000 to enable it to complete The Ability Hub, a purpose-built space where all the young people it serves will be able to play, learn and thrive.
It has launched a crowdfunder campaign to make that vision a reality.
Jane Holmes, CEO of Building for the Future, said: “For many of our families, Our House is the only place where their child truly feels accepted and free to be themselves.
“But we are now at capacity and we know there are more families out there who need us.
“The Ability Hub is our answer to that need – a space where every child and young person can thrive.
“We’ve taken a huge leap by securing a new building, but we urgently need the community’s help to finish it.”
The new centre, located at Thames Valley Park, will dramatically expand the charity’s ability to support children and young people with disabilities, offering a state-of-the-art play therapy centre, a sensory garden and a dedicated space for young adults to develop independence and life skills.
Since opening Our House in 2014, the charity has supported nearly 1,000 disabled children and young people every year, providing a safe and inclusive environment where they can play, learn and thrive.
However, demand for the service has rapidly outgrown the current facilities.
Rooms have become cramped and outdated, while nearby housing developments have reduced available parking to just four spaces, creating significant barriers for families transporting children with complex needs and specialist equipment.
In addition, the charity has been unable to expand its support for young adults, who often have limited opportunities once they outgrow children’s services.
The refurbishment of the new centre is already underway, but the charity must raise £150,000 by the summer to complete the final stages, including adapting the building for accessibility, installing specialist equipment and ensuring the facility can operate sustainably.
The campaign has already begun gaining attention from donors and interested families and centre hirers.
BFTF is now urging individuals, businesses and community groups across Berkshire to get involved, to donate and to help create a space where disabled children and their families can continue to feel supported for years to come.
Donations can be made via the charity’s Crowdfunder page.
For information, and to donate, visit: bftf.org.uk or email: melissa@bftf.org.uk
