Hounslow families with additional needs set to benefit from Skylarks’ expansion

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Skylarks, an independent charity supporting children and young people with disabilities and additional needs, has launched a new space in Hounslow, situated in leafy Inwood Park.

The open day, which took place on a sunny day in July, was attended by members of Brentford FC, including ambassador Marcus Gayle, and team mascot Buzz, with Skylarks’ new ambassador and actor Fiona Button cutting the official ribbon.

The event marked a significant step forward for the Richmond-based charity, which has been a vital source of support for thousands of families across south-west London since its founding in 2006, offering services for children from birth to 25 years old.

With over 6,000 children and their families and carers currently benefiting from the services offered by Skylarks, the new Hounslow space arrives at a critical time, as many families in the borough are struggling to access support services under pressure.

Expanded Local Access to Lifeline Services

Facilities include a dedicated sensory room, made possible through the generous support of The Victoria Foundation and Inspire Hounslow and a wide array of therapeutic and play-based sessions.

Skylarks Hounslow is open in August, offering an exciting programme of free summer activities for children with additional needs and their siblings including:

Sensory Travel Smart – in conjunction with new partner, The National Archives. These family sessions explore how to travel safely on different modes of transport, with animated storytelling using sensory props.

Drumming with Otakar Kraus Music Trust – discover a passion for music and enjoy the rhythm of the drums by tapping along to the beat.

Active play with indoor and outdoor activities and toys – and experience the exciting new sensory room.

From September, Hounslow will operate more days each week, providing an expanded range of services tailored to meet the growing needs of local families, including specialist SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) advice, with benefits advice services in partnership with other local charities launching soon.