New sensory and skills centre for send children and Young Adults Takes Shape Thanks to Incredible Community Support

Building works at The Ability Hub, our new specialist sensory play and skills development centre for disabled children and young adults, is making steady progress, thanks to an extraordinary wave of support from businesses and community partners.

The one-of-a-kind centre, opening this summer, is currently being fitted out at Thames Valley Park.

The project began as an ambitious vision by our charity’s parent founders: to create a bigger, brighter, and more inclusive play therapy space for children who need it most and to create the area’s first ever enterprise centre for young adults with complex needs and disabilities, a place where they can develop skills, hobbies, businesses and friendships surrounded by expert support.

What once felt like a daunting challenge is now transforming into something tangible, hopeful and deeply impactful as the kind donations of time, expertise and kit has seen the project forge ahead on schedule. Something we are incredibly excited about it.

The Ability Hub is being designed to provide not only play opportunities, but also vital developmental support, therapeutic experiences and a welcoming space for families.

When completed, it will offer a safe space where disabled children, young adults and their families can find acceptance, joy, encouragement and opportunity.

This progress has been made possible by the generosity and expertise of a wide network of partners who have stepped forward to donate their time, skills, and resources.

Project leadership and construction have been guided by Willmott Dixon, whose ongoing consultancy and project management have been provided free of charge. The structural fit-out has been coordinated by Interfix, with British Gypsum supplying plasterboard, while Phaze Electrical and Whitecroft have contributed lighting design and installations. Heating and plumbing are being handled by Paine Manwaring, and Trademark Windows has supplied external doors.

Beyond the core build, a number of specialists have helped bring the space to life. Pinnacle is delivering new kitchen facilities, Ideal Standard has supplied bathroom fittings, and Guldmann is supporting the installation of essential hoists.

The interior environment is also taking shape, with AkzoNobel/Dulux providing expert colour design alongside 200 litres of donated paint. Flooring is being installed by Tarkett and Blade, while Rockfon has supplied suspended ceiling panels.

Adding a unique creative touch, local artist Tom Bazely has developed a bespoke design concept for the space, helping to make it both inspiring and welcoming.

Safety and play remain central to the project. Deborah Smith OT has donated a life-saving defibrillator, while ESP is contributing external play surfacing along with features such as a water wall and mud kitchen.

Crucial groundwork and logistical support have also been provided by Balfour Beatty and SpeedyHire, with Collards assisting through skip hire and Knight Frank supporting site clearance efforts.

Additional thanks go to David Lloyd, Lantec, Heritage Alarms, and Procom for their continued support and contributions.

Every element of The Ability Hub reflects a shared commitment to inclusion, innovation, compassion and community. Each donation - whether time, materials, or expertise - has brought the project one step closer to opening its doors.

As the centre continues to take shape, supporters are being encouraged to play their part in helping complete this vital space.

Contributions of any size will directly support the final stages of the project and help ensure The Ability Hub can open as soon as possible.

Those wishing to support can find more information and donate via the project’s crowdfunding page:https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/bftf-new-centre

With continued community backing, The Ability Hub is set to become a place where all children and young adults with disabilities can thrive, families can connect and possibilities can grow and flourish.

Karen Woolford, Operations Manager, said: “We want to say a massive thank you to every organisation involved in transforming this building into such a welcoming and inclusive space where our children and young adults can feel safe, supported and inspired. Your generosity and expertise will have a lasting impact.”