3:10pm Tuesday 15th June 2010
THOUSANDS of families living in Swindon could benefit from a new £1m day centre for disabled children.
The Hop, Skip and Jump Swindon centre, which would be built in Lydiard Park, is designed to help children with a range of disabilities through play and interaction.
Families who have children with special needs currently have to drive to either Bristol or Cheltenham for the service, which already helps around 30,000 children a year.
The charity now has the mammoth task of raising almost £1m to cover the costs of the 481 square metre eco-friendly timber building, which already has planning permission.
A spokesman for the charity said: “Our intention is to create an environment where the children will be able to interact freely, gain confidence and self esteem and develop their social skills and give the parents and carers time to be with the rest of the family.
“Hop, Skip and Jump Swindon will cater for children from birth onwards who have disabilities ranging from mild learning difficulties to complex and multiple physical needs.
“The need for such a facility is evident. One in 15 people have a child with special needs and we receive enquiries from all over the country from people wanting to visit our centres, many of whom are from the Swindon area.
“Five out of the 10 most deprived areas of Wiltshire are located within the Swindon district and we are anticipating that many of the families who will use the centre will come from areas of deprivation, as well as from more affluent areas.
“The project to build the new centre is now under way, with planning permission granted and fundraising beginning to gather momentum.”
The current fundraising target stands at £985,000 and the charity are now urging people in Swindon to get behind them and help make the centre a reality for the town.
All contributions of £5,000 or more will have their names included on special plaques in the centre.
Anyone wanting more information or to donate, can call 01453 836390.
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