We believe every child deserves the chance to laugh, play, explore and be included. Yet for many children with disabilities, opportunities that should be readily available are often out of reach. We understand that being the parent carer of a disabled child can sometimes feel lonely and isolating, and that joining in with mainstream activities can be difficult, that’s why we created Accessible for All — a programme that offers inclusive, enjoyable activities designed so every child can take part in their own way.

From drama and dance to music workshops, adapted cycling, tennis and golf, friendship and cooking groups, exclusive sessions at local skate parks and Wetwheels we are constantly expanding what we offer. We listen to our families and adapt to their needs, creating a growing world of possibilities and experiences that are truly accessible.

Our sessions are relaxed and pressure-free. Children can join in with the semi-structured activities, watch from the sidelines, play independently or simply take their time until they feel ready — participation is always at their own pace so our children feel safe and supported.

The Dorset Children’s foundation has always been about listening to our families and actively responding so If you’re a parent or carer with ideas for new activities, or would like to set up a group that would benefit your child or young person, we’d love to hear from you — please get in touch!

The Windmill is at the heart of our foundation. Based in The Sovereign Centre, Boscombe, The Windmill is the heart of our foundation—a welcoming and fully inclusive hub for disabled children, young people and their families. It offers a safe, calming space with a Changing Places facility, state of the art cinema and fully equipped kitchen. The main area can be transformed into a sensory environment with adjustable lighting, projectors and a wealth of play and craft resource’s.

The Windmill hosts a wide variety of activities, from stay-and-play sessions like Little Stars and sensory cinema experiences to music therapy, art therapy, PMLD clubs Adventure Buddies and Saturday Social. Young people can join life skills and cookery sessions, youth and friendship groups, while families enjoy story time, craft days, sing-alongs and tailor made entertainment.

Support for parents and carers includes legal advice drop-ins, specialist speakers, holistic therapies, early years support, coffee mornings and our “Me Time” sessions. Programmes such as Paddy’s Purpose, meditation, sewing circles and volunteer meet-ups also take place here.

We work closely with local specialist and mainstream schools to offer experiences young people often cannot find elsewhere.

The Windmill is also available for hire for SEND friendly parties, schools and to other community groups.

To find out more or to book, please email patsy@thedcf.org

Saturday Social is a welcoming monthly club run by dedicated volunteers Avril Jackson and Paula Street, who first started it for their own children and their friends. The group is exclusively for young people aged 13 and over with profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD) who are wheelchair users.

The sessions take place on the first Saturday of each month, from 12:30 pm to 4:00 pm, at The Windmill, our fully accessible hub in The Sovereign Centre, Boscombe. The venue offers a Changing Places facility, wheelchair-accessible tables, and a wide range of resources to ensure comfort and inclusion for everyone.

While our young people enjoy a variety of thoughtfully planned activities — including sensory stories, wheelchair dancing, Tac Pac sessions, yoga, arts and crafts, and much more — parents and carers are invited to relax over lunch together, share experiences, and offer one another support.

For more details, dates and booking please contact Paula: paulachuchill@hotmail.com

Our Cooking and Life Skills sessions are designed especially for children and young people with disabilities, giving them the chance to learn new skills in a calm, supportive and enjoyable setting.

Each session focuses on building confidence, independence and self-belief. Children can get hands-on in the kitchen learning simple recipes and practical skills like shopping and money value while having fun with their friends. We also include gentle life skills such as setting the table, tidying up and making everyday choices — all adapted to suit each child’s needs and comfort level.

Our friendly staff and volunteers provide one-to-one support where needed, encouraging every small step and celebrating every achievement. These sessions are about more than cooking — they’re about connection, confidence and helping your child discover what they can do.

If you’d like to find out more or book a place, please email enquiries@thedcf.org.

Musical Joy is a fun, inclusive session for children with disabilities and their families to explore the magic of music together. Each week, children can discover different instruments, experiment with sounds, and take part in musical games that encourage movement, interaction, and self-expression. It’s a wonderful opportunity for children to socialise, build confidence, and communicate through music — all while having lots of fun!

Parents/carers and siblings are invited to join in too, making it a shared family experience where everyone can connect and enjoy music in their own way. The sessions are led by Cathy, a qualified primary school teacher with a music specialism and over 30 years of experience. Cathy is passionate about working with young people with additional needs and believes music is a powerful way to bring families together, promote wellbeing, and celebrate every child’s unique abilities.

Thanks to Ian Morrish from Together for Cinema,Luke Crutcher from Living Home Tech and their partners we have a state of the art cinema complete with twinkle ceiling

Cinema Club offers a relaxed film experience designed especially for children and young people with additional needs, along with their families and siblings. Traditional cinemas can be overwhelming, so we’ve created a gentle, understanding environment where everyone can enjoy films comfortably.

Lights are dimmed rather than dark, the volume is lower, and children are free to move around, make noise or take a break whenever they need to. There’s no pressure to sit still or stay quiet — this is a space where everyone is accepted and understood.

The venue is fully accessible with space for wheelchairs, medical equipment and mobility aids.

Cinema Club is about more than just watching a movie — it’s about connection, comfort and creating happy memories together.

Getting together as a group is just so much fun so we regularly host picnics in local parks ( in the warmer months) have Christmas, Easter and Halloween parties with entertainment, get together to play with trains with Trainmaster or make wonderful creations out of clay with Creative Clay.

Teeing up confidence, fun, and new skills for every ability.

In partnership with Forest Hills Golf Club, we’re delighted to offer disability-friendly golf sessions on the driving range with professional coach Deej Stratman

These sessions are incredibly good fun where children and young people of all abilities can enjoy the driving range, whether they’re trying it for the first time or looking to build on existing skills.

Deej and the team adapt each session to meet individual needs, making sure everyone can take part, have fun, and experience success at their own pace.

We run very relaxed craft seasons where children of all abilities and their siblings are encouraged to explore their creativity.

We provide a wide range of materials, and have run activities such as Easter bonnet making, Christmas cards and foot painting. These are quiet and only semi structured sessions and a lovely opportunity for children and parents to form new friendships.

We have partnered up with The Absolute Music Trust to provide fun music sessions at a professional recording studio. There is opportunity to use drums, bass and electric guitars, keyboards, mikes, plus the help of Jamie and Mark who are experienced sound engineers.
The sessions last for 2 hours. Depending on the needs of your child, parents/carers have a choice as to which of the two sessions on offer is the best fit. Children of all ages and abilities are welcome, and from our experience children with profound disabilities can particularly benefit from these sessions.

‘We enjoyed the absolute music session so much, great that it was so tailored to our children’s specific needs. It has been the highlight of our half term. Thank you’.

Currently these sessions are being held during school holidays, but we are hoping to expand availability.

Wetwheels provides the opportunity for all disabled people, including those with profound and complex disabilities, to access the sea in a safe, stimulating and rewarding way on board a specially-built, fully-accessible powerboat.

The Wetwheels concept was developed and pioneered by disabled adventurer, Geoff Holt MBE DL, and is proven to be highly successful.
We are delighted that over 200 people have been able to get out on the water for these totally inclusive sessions.
By offering the opportunity to experience the sea – not just as passengers, but as active participants – we build confidence and improve physical and mental wellbeing.

“There is something very special about being on the water. For someone with a disability, being at sea offers unparalleled freedoms. Your mind and imagination fill with things that once didn’t seem possible.”

As part of our Accessible for All programme, we are thrilled to offer our most medically complex children a wonderful residential experience at Avon Tyrell Outdoor Centre in the heart of the New Forest.

Families stay in a fully accessible lodge, where absolutely everything — from accommodation and food to all activities — is included. Days are filled with exciting outdoor challenges such as kayaking, the high ropes, and archery, with experienced instructors ensuring everyone can take part safely and confidently.

In the evenings, we gather around the campfire for a BBQ, laughter, and fabulous entertainment, giving families time to relax, connect, and create lasting memories together.

We are delighted to work as Project partners with the amazing Treehouse Theatre. As partners we benefit not only from exclusive performances but our children can access their inclusive drama workshops. We love working with The Treehouse as they offer fully relaxed performances, with embedded sign language throughout and encourage audience participation within all their shows.

All About Me is a weekly wellbeing space at The Windmill created for parents, carers and relatives who give so much of themselves and deserve time to pause and recharge. Caring is rewarding but can also be isolating and exhausting, which is why this group offers a place to relax, talk and feel supported.

The group is led by Aggie, our Health & Wellbeing Coordinator, who provides a listening ear, confidential one-to-one support and personalised wellbeing plans. She has professional qualifications in counselling, life coaching and mental health, and personal experience as a parent of a child with Down syndrome, making her support both knowledgeable and deeply empathetic.

Each week, families come together for two hours of “Me Time.” Sessions begin with lunch and conversation—a chance to laugh, share or simply sit with others who understand. Activities change weekly and may include creativity, mindfulness or just time to rest with a hot drink and slice of cake. As one parent said, “Every parent here gets it. We’re walking similar paths, and this is a place where you don’t have to explain.”