A NEW centre for children with special educational needs has opened at Adventure Wonderland.

Diverse Abilities hosted the launch of The Treehouse, which includes an indoor soft play, a sensory room, gaming room and cinema room.

The launch event gave the disability charity the opportunity to thank businesses and individuals who have assisted in the project, either through donations or volunteering.

Since January, volunteers have given more than 1,000 hours of their time to help with painting, clearing, gardening and cleaning at the centre.

The Treehouse welcomed children for the Easter holidays, but the grand opening on June 27 gave attendees the opportunity to look around the centre.

It also includes a kitchen area where children can learn food preparation skills.

Those in attendance also heard about future plans for the site, including a play park, sensory garden, water play area and a go-kart and scooter track in the large outdoor area.

The event was opened by Diverse Abilities CEO Mark Powell, speaking about the task that had been undertaken, along with the scale of the help received.

He also discussed the impact the centre would have on children and families supported by the charity.

Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Dorset, Sir Christopher Lee, also addressed the event, speaking about the journey families go through when they discover their children have a disability, along with the important role charities play in supporting them.

Mark Powell said: “It was fantastic to have such a great turnout from the many businesses and individuals that have supported us since January.

“Some volunteers will not have seen The Treehouse since February or March, so there really is a noticeable difference since they last visited.

“We couldn’t have done this without the help of the local community, we are extremely grateful.”

The centre will be home to the charity’s children’s team, hosting services for children with a range of needs and their families, including services to support siblings.

This includes during school holidays, weekends and evenings.

To find out more about the centre and how to support its development, visit the Diverse Abilities website.