Celebrating year-long partnership with Swings and Smiles

Colleagues in Thames Valley have taken a Thatcham charity to heart over the past 12 months and supported them as they strive to give children with disabilities the opportunity to play.

Swing & Smiles is located opposite the five-star team’s Charles Church development at Lambourn Meadows in Thatcham, and after meeting the team last year they decided to adopt them as their Charity of the Year. 

Throughout the year, colleagues organised bake sales and dress down days, raising over £1,200 for the play charity, and sponsored the charity’s music quiz, hosted by Chris Tarrant.  

During the summer months, Swings & Smiles started work on their new teen area for older children. They needed a space that was wheelchair-friendly and accessible, safe and engaging for the young people they support and they put out a call for help to local businesses. Having seen the real need for this type of facility, we stepped in and the business donated building materials and supplies, which significantly reduced the build cost. 

Swings & Smiles supports nearly 1,500 families each year, providing group play sessions for children with a range of complex needs. While this allows the children to play in a safe space with those with similar needs, it also gives parents the chance to share experiences of caring for a child with disabilities. The charity provides respite for parents and sibling sessions, supporting the whole family. 

Rhonda Nicklin, Chief Executive Officer for the charity, said: “We are very grateful to Charles Church Thames Valley for everything they have done and continue to do to support Swings & Smiles. 

“There is great demand for our services as there is so little provision for the families we help, and without the generosity of their staff members, we would not be able to meet that demand.” 

Cllr Justin Pemberton, Ward Member for Thatcham West at West Berkshire Council and Portfolio Holder for Public Safety and Community Engagement, joined the presentation at Lambourn Meadows and said: “Swings & Smiles is highly valued within the community and it is wonderful to see that the team at Charles Church have taken it to heart this year. 

“Thank you to Persimmon for helping this charity continue to improve their facilities to meet the changing needs of the families who use them.” 

Dan Castle, Managing Director for Charles Church Thames Valley, said: “We are proud give back to the communities within which we are building and want to create a lasting legacy across Thames Valley. 

“Our team has really embraced this, and together their efforts, have helped make a real difference to the families using Swings & Smiles.”