Generous donation brings vital support to Christchurch families

Diverse Abilities, Dorset’s Disability charity has received an incredible donation of £5,303 from The Christchurch Magdalen Trust which provides charitable funds to help Christchurch residents who are in need or have an illness or disability. The donation will be used to support Christchurch families attending the Coping with CHAOS short break programme at The Treehouse in Hurn, at the former Adventure Wonderland site.

Diverse Abilities provides lifelong support to children and adults with physical and learning disabilities across a wide range of services. The Coping with CHAOS (CWC) programme is designed to offer inclusive play and activity sessions for children and young people from birth to 18, while also supporting their families. Sessions run during school holidays, weekends, and evenings, with additional drop-in options for younger children and those who are homeschooled.

Since relocating to The Treehouse in April 2024, the charity’s services have become significantly more accessible to Christchurch families. There is no statutory funding for this area of the charities work, so the money donated by The Christchurch Magdalen Trust will allow the charity to deliver these much-needed sessions.

These sessions are a lifeline to these families, who may otherwise feel isolated, exhausted and alone as they navigate bringing up a child with disabilities. Sessions are provided for families to attend together, accessing activities that they may be unable to offer elsewhere due to accessibility, fear of judgement or just needing an extra pair of hands. There are also sessions for the children to attend alone with support from the charity’s Short Break Crew, giving the child independence and parents the knowledge they are being well looked after.

Clare Rochford, Short Breaks Manager at Diverse Abilities commented: “These sessions are a lifeline for families who often feel isolated and overwhelmed while raising a child with disabilities. Thanks to The Christchurch Magdalen Trust, families in Christchurch can now enjoy inclusive, supportive experiences together at The Treehouse.”

The Christchurch Magdalen Trust is committed to supporting Christchurch residents in need and welcomes enquiries from individuals and organisations seeking assistance. Learn more at cmtrust.org.uk.

To explore the full range of sessions available at The Treehouse, visit diverseabilities.org.uk/thetreehouse