Diverse Abilities: Charity moves in next to theme park in Dorset

The charity has taken over part of Adventure Wonderland

A charity supporting children with additional needs has taken over part of a theme park to expand its services.

Diverse Abilities has moved its Short Breaks Service to the site at Adventure Wonderland, near Christchurch, Dorset.

About 300 volunteers gave 1,500 hours of their time to get the building ready for the Easter school holidays.

The charity said in the 2022/23 financial year, more than 550 children and their families were supported by its Short Breaks Services.

In addition to the relocated services, the new centre, called the Treehouse, offers soft play areas, outdoor crazy golf, a sensory room and a cinema room.

Claire Rochford said more areas of the site were under development

Children's team manager Clare Rochford said: "The feedback has been amazing. The families have loved coming here.

"We've got really exciting plans for the future, redevelopment of the outside space and looking at new services."

CEO Mark Powell said: "This is such an exciting development for everyone involved and we are thrilled to be able to expand our reach."

Although the charity is supported by grants, it said inflation meant the shortfall in its funding had tripled since last year.

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