Building for the Future is a parent-led charity providing a fully-accessible play centre in Wokingham, Berkshire, for disabled children and their families.  Set up in 2007, the parents worked hard to raise the necessary funds, alongside caring for their own disabled children and 'Our House' was opened in 2014 by the Earl and Countess of Wessex. Today, over 500 families come through the doors of Our House over the course of a year, attending numerous play sessions such as Saturday Clubs, a playgroup, holiday sessions, therapy, parents' groups and much more.

In response to the Covid crisis and the extreme isolation experienced by so many of our families, we are now increasing the services we offer, to give families with vulnerable children more opportunities to leave the house and play in a fully accessible and safe environment.

Recently, the charity set up 'Building for the Future Plus', a new project giving life-fulfilling opportunities to young adults who have left school and who otherwise would have very little in the way of life fulfilment and purpose. The project was launched by the Rt Hon Theresa May MP in June 2021 and is currently working with several young people, creating social and work opportunities, as well as an inclusive expressive arts project, sports coaching opportunities and more.

Why the community needs us
Building for the Future provides the only fully-accessible, full-time play centre for disabled children and their families in our area. It is regularly described by parents as a 'life-line' and many families have told us that they do not know what they would do without our support. For young people with disabilities who have left school or college, there is very little in the way of life-fulfilling opportunity, as acknowledged by service providers themselves. Building for the Future Plus will work with the local community towards sourcing these opportunities, be they social, creative, sports-orientated or related to work.

Our impact on the community
Alleviating the isolation felt by families with disabled children or young people. Providing opportunities for young people with disabilities who have left school and who have very little in the way of life-fulfilment and purpose.