Charity to roll out inclusive play scheme to bring joy to children with disabilities
A Cannock based charity is set to transform play opportunities for children with disabilities across the UK, following the success of a ground-breaking pilot scheme.
Newlife The Charity for Disabled Children will roll out its Community Play scheme nationwide starting in the East and West Midlands, thanks to a generous £650,000 grant from the Dorothy Pamela Smith CIO. The initiative aims to ensure children with disabilities can access sensory-rich, inclusive play experiences that boost development and unlock their full potential.
The pilot project, launched by the charity in Spring 2025, reached more than 4,000 children across ten grassroots play settings. Before the pilot, only 39% of toys within these settings met children’s needs. Following the pilot, up to 100% of toys were found to cater to diverse abilities—including those with complex disabilities, sensory impairments, and neurodiverse conditions—allowing every child to engage fully.
A key element of the pilot was specialist training for staff and volunteers. Sixty-six team members received practical guidance, resulting in:
47% increase in understanding the educational purpose of toys
44% rise in confidence using toys in sessions
44% improvement in knowledge of cause-and-effect within play
Families and staff reported that children formed new friendships, learned to communicate through sensory play, and accessed activities previously out of reach—especially for wheelchair users and those with additional needs.
Simret Ghuman, Newlife’s Play Lead, said: “Play is a fundamental part of childhood, yet many grassroots charities face barriers to providing high-quality, inclusive experiences. Our Community Play pilot, made possible by the generous support of Dorothy Pamela Smith CIO, has shown what’s possible when we invest in play. For thousands of children, these toys and resources have opened doors to exploration, connection, and learning that simply weren’t possible before.
“Seeing the joy, curiosity, and confidence in the children we’ve reached through the Community Play Pilot has been truly inspiring. Families have shared moments of calm and happiness, staff and volunteers have gained new confidence, and grassroots settings now have the tools to make every child feel included.
“The pilot proved that when we invest in play, we don’t just give children toys, we give them a chance to thrive."
The first community setting in the national rollout will be announced soon, with plans to expand to dozens of locations over the coming years.
To register your interest in Newlife’s Community Play Scheme visit newlifecharity.co.uk/community-play or email play@newlifecharity.co.uk
For more information about Newlife and its services visit newlifecharity.co.uk
