A NEW facility which aims to help young people with special needs to help themselves, opens today.

The Learning Centre is an new facility within the Uplands Educational Trust, based in Stratton Road.

It will help young adults aged 19-25 who have special needs.

The Educational Trust aims to teach learning for life so young people with special needs can help themselves.

South Swindon MP Robert Buckland, who has supported the project from the beginning will officially open the new centre at 11am.

The Learning Centre is the brain child of Jackie Smith, the executive headteacher of Uplands School.

She wanted to bridge the gap faced by young adults with special needs after they finish full time education Students have been using the centre for the last week.

“Against all the odds and with painting and cleaning still taking place the night before, the Learning Centre opened its doors to the first students this week,” said Jackie.

“I cannot stress enough how important the Learning Centre is in Swindon.

“We can’t fail these families and if, as a community, we don’t support these families the impact can be catastrophic.”

Parents or carers of a young special needs person interested in attending the Learning Centre should call 01793 493910.