Charity spotlight: Rainbow Hub is making every day, a life changing day

Since 2001, Rainbow Hub has supported as many as 85 families each week, helping children to reach their full potential and gain more independence through fun, hands-on activities, while giving their parents the vital support they deserve.

Rainbow Hub provides therapeutic services and support to children and young people with physical disabilities and movement disorders caused by neurological conditions or brain injury.

The charity goes above and beyond to improve the physical, social, and emotional well-being of children through specialist therapies including conductive education and rebound therapy, together with developing communication skills. Complex needs are also supported by advocating for services and funding equipment such as defibrillators and rehabilitation devices.

Their motto, ‘No small victories’, captures the essence of Rainbow Hub’s mission. It reflects their commitment to recognising and celebrating the accomplishments of children with disabilities, no matter how big or small. The charity understands that for these children, every achievement is a significant step towards a brighter future.

The charity also recognises how difficult life can be for the families and provides a support service to help with completing forms and signposting other services. They even hold family events and days out so that families can relax with other people who understand how they feel.

They’re based in Mawdesley, Lancashire at a purpose-built site which offers a picturesque country escape with a family first approach. It’s safe, friendly, and accessible to all. In July this year the team at Rainbow Hub celebrated the success of their planning application to build a school for special educational needs children at their Mawdesley location. Rainbow Hub School will be an independent special school for children with neuro-disabilities including cerebral palsy.

Lyndsay Fahey, CEO of Rainbow Hub, told us: ‘We are delighted that the application has been successful and cannot wait for work to start. There are many more months of planning to come but it is a very exciting time for us all. This development will allow us to extend the good work we already do in conductive education and our specialist nursery.’

Building work has now started and will be completed in June 2024. They now have their OFSTED registration and can offer places in their existing building for children aged five to eleven years, and when fully open, the school will offer places for children aged five to sixteen years. If you’re interested in knowing more about the facilities and curriculum offered by the school, please contact Head Teacher, Martyn Berry at m.berry@rainbowhub.org.

The Rainbow Hub also has a nursery for special needs children, which aims to give little ones aged two to five years the opportunity to develop, be happy and make friends with other children who have similar challenges.

Sarah Dobson’s three-year-old son Jax, who has autism and physical disabilities, found an incredibly supportive environment at the Rainbow Hub Nursery. He’s improved his communication, engaged in play, and made friends. The nursery even provided equipment to help him interact with his peers and built a special toy garage.

Sarah says, ‘I’ve never experienced such genuine care and understanding for all my little boy’s needs. I was absolutely blown away how quickly Jax settled and can tell he feels so safe and secure in the care of all the staff. This has been key to his progression.’

If you would like more information about the Rainbow Hub and/or an assessment of your child’s needs, you can call 01704 823276 or visit www.rainbowhub.org