Building for the Future is a parent-led charity that aims to raise the profile of all the disabled children in Wokingham Borough and surrounding areas. We are passionate about giving disabled children an equal opportunity in everything and we are thrilled to show the local community their achievements. When activities aren't available for disabled children to participate in we put on our own events to highlight just how wonderful and capable our children are. For instance, we organised Time to Shine, the area's first ever talent show featuring special needs children and taking place later this year is Regatta for the Disabled Henley, the first ever all inclusive boating event for disabled people.

Our current fundraising project is to raise money to build and manage a unique, purpose-built community centre for disabled children and their families.

Disabled children and their families need a place in this area that they can call their own. A place within the community where they will always be welcome, a place that inspires them, and entertains them; a place that provides comfort to the parents and challenges the children to explore, play, learn and socialise.

We need your help to realise this dream, to build this one-of-a-kind facility that will have sensory rooms, a wheelchair accessible playground, a place for parents to relax, therapy rooms and more. We will need hundreds of thousands of pounds to reach this target, plus the energy, enthusiasm and support of the community.

Disabled children are worth fighting for and they are worth investing in. They are a valuable part of our community and it is time they had a building of their own. Be that person, be that company which gets involved and makes a difference that will benefit generations to come.

FACTS ABOUT BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
HISTORY
Building for the Future started out as a partnership between five existing charities which provide support, respite and activities for hundreds of families bringing up disabled children throughout the boroughs of Wokingham and Reading.
The charity is now strong and standing on its own, winning the support of the community and staying true to the goals that were originally set. We are still in touch with all the original groups who formed the charity and still consult with them on what families want to see in the building. We are very keen to hear from groups and organisations that want to become involved.

A VOICE FOR PARENTS
BFTF is the host organisation for REACH Wokingham, Wokingham's official Parents' Forum and is recognised as part of Central Government's Aiming High for Disabled Children initiative. REACH is recognised by the Local Authority and West Berks Primary Care Trust as the new Parents' Forum in Wokingham. The role of the Parents' Forum is to ensure that fair consultation of parents takes place. Any issues, problems or suggestions that parents bring to the Forum meetings are taken, by a Parent Panel representative, to the relevant service provider. Working together with the service providers, the aim is to ensure positive change is implemented.

WHO RUNS THE CHARITY?
BFTF's Board of Trustees comprises three parents of disabled children and four local business people.

TRUSTEES:

Chief Executive: Jane Holmes

Chairman: Mark Ashwell, MD of TradeMark Windows, Doors and Conservatories

Vice Chairman: Andy Barden, Partner of St James's Place

Treasurer: Gisela Sharpe

Head of Outreach: Lucy Walton

Kate Lole, Yellow Poppy Marketing

Karen Woolford

PATRONS:
Building for the Future is extremely pleased to have two passionate and high profile Patrons: Annette Drake, Councillor for Hurst, and internationally recognised and much loved and praised comedian Francesca Martinez.

Annette Drake is an important local politician and she has been a supporter of disabled children's issues for over 25 years. Annette helped to launch Building for the Future in September 2007. During 2007 and 2008 Annette was Wokingham Borough Mayor and whilst working hard in that role she helped to raise the profile of the charity, as well as a staggering £22,859.

Francesca Martinez is an international comedian, speaker, actress and writer. She uses her disability in a powerful way to make people positively change the way they view disabled people the instant they meet her. She's smart, funny, ambitious, courageous and a huge, huge role model to disabled children everywhere.

"I first heard about Building For The Future in May (2008) when I performed at their charity evening.

I was touched by the dedication and commitment that the parents showed and how they were positively fighting for equality for their children.

Parents of children with disabilities know that their kids have the same desires as any child and should be treated no differently. The practical needs may be unique but every child needs to play, socialise and feel part of a loving community. I am honoured to be a patron and I passionately support the admirable aims of each and every parent involved in creating a better future for their families"

Francesca Martinez
www.francescamartinez.com

Mayor's Chosen Charity 2007-2008

Building for the Future Wokingham, is a UK registered charity (1121458).