Barnardo’s Caern Project: A Great Place to Play!

On Wednesday the 24th of October 2007 the Barnardo’s Care and Hope Appeal realised its goal when the £1 million, purpose-built respite facility for special needs children officially opened in Edinburgh.
The Gogarbank area of Edinburgh is now the site of the charity’s Caern Project after the old building in Riccarton was no longer fit for purpose.

Inclusive Play Ltd have worked closely with Barnardos’s since their incorporation in April 2006, to research and develop truly inclusive play equipment.
One of the many benefits of the Gogarbank site is the vast open space for outside play. The opportunity for play has been maximised with the use of the Inclusive Play Revolve Roundabout and a number of other play items. The play area is complimented by the Woodland Walk which creates the perfect balance between nature and play equipment.

Neil Squires, Centre Manager, who oversaw the entire project, felt that ‘the outdoors and garden have exceeded our expectations. There is special play equipment suited to the children’s needs. They spend a lot of time outside and it is so important for them to be able to enjoy the challenges of adventure and play’.

Project worker Karen McKee Plays with nine-year-old Connagh Paton on the Revolve Roundabout from Inclusive Play in the Caern Project Garden

Jo Walton of Inclusive Play, attended the official opening and added that ‘the Caern Project is a unique place for children with special needs and Inclusive Play are delighted to be working with Barnardo’s to continue to develop inclusive play equipment for children of all abilities’.

This rewarding and collaborative approach continues with Barnardo’s and their network of care homes, special needs play schemes throughout the country, Capability Scotland and NCH ensuring that Inclusive Play design play equipment to cater for ALL children.

For more information on Inclusive Play or to get involved in a working group please contact us on 0844 499 0214

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