Diverse Abilities launch new adult soft play fundraiser

Diverse Abilities is a charity, supporting children and adults across Dorset with physical and mental disabilities.

Two years ago, the charity took over The Treehouse soft play area and ever since have used it as their children’s hub and centre for service users.

On February 6th, they are opening their doors to adults to use the soft play area under the name: ‘Big Kid Energy’ at The Treehouse in Hurn and will raise money for the charity and their future schemes.

Fran Potton is a Community Fundraiser for Diverse Abilities and expressed her excitement for the new scheme. She said: “Adults can still have fun, we want to install that in everyone and let that big kid energy out.”

The event will allow for adults to bring their own drinks and will have tables set up for games such as beer pong and pool.

“We have one guy who we support in his 50s and the first time he used a slide was with us.” Fran said.

“We really want to put this (opportunity) across to all adults and the demand is there, it’s really popular.”

Fran also spoke about the effects of their soft play area on mental wellbeing. She said: “We noticed a huge difference in when the adults we support use the soft play and how their mental health increases.”

This is a new project for Diverse Abilities and the first time that the soft play area has been opened up to adults. They will continue to support families through respite care (time that gives carers temporary relief from their role) as well as offering therapy in schools.

Diverse Abilities hope that ‘Big Kid Energy’ will be a success, with the money raised going into developing their support schemes and creating a stronger and safer community for those with disabilities.