The John McNeill Oppotunity Centre

This April I will be walking 50km through the Isle of Wight to raise money for the John McNeill Oppotunity Centre!

The John McNeill Opportunity Centre is South Wiltshire's only specialist nursery for children with difficulties and disabilities. They support children with a range of difficulties that are associated with autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, Downs syndrome, communication difficulties genetic disorders and sensory impairments; as well as providing support for their parents and carers.

It is a really special place for the those that need it, offering the invaluable experience of environments that make each child feel safe and confident and allows them to flourish and build new skills. Where communication is difficult, they understand the importance of giving each child a means to communicate and encouraging them to build on these skills, giving children a voice.

Personally, I can attest that this Centre is life changing for the families that need it. No question is too small for the staff, they help problem solve when issues arise, they bring parents together and give children a place where they can truly be themselves in a world where that is not the case! The skills the children learn there are so important for the rest of their lives and encourage independence and autonomy and help set them up for school and beyond!

So why am I fundraising now??

Their conservatory desperately needs a new roof! This where they deliver specialist interactions and where the children can explore all the sensory equipment. This space is vital and the children are used to the routine of going there to do these things!

Thank you so much for reading and thank you so much in your support! This is a cause that is so personal to me and I am so grateful!