Current Projects

Following the successful completion of the major building extension, the Friends of the CDC are committed to raise further funds for the Centre. The everyday running costs of the CDC will be met by the local Health and Education authorities. Our aim is to ensure that children and their families using the Centre will continue to benefit from the very latest equipment and facilities.

Currently our fundraising efforts are focused on 2 important areas, both of which will benefit users of the CDC.

Asperger Syndrome DVD

Young people with Asperger Syndrome have poor social understanding and skills, causing them anxiety and stress in common social situations. Our goal is to raise funds for the production of a DVD, which will help young people with Asperger Syndrome to learn social skills, especially with regard to Friendship and Communication. The scenarios and advice in the DVD would teach how to read the intent of others, increasing self-confidence and would be of great benefit to Asperger teenagers.

We are very fortunate to have the interest and enthusiasm of a professional actress, Vicki Michelle, and the film production company run by her husband, Graham Fowler, who are committed to working on this project.

Our target is £25,000. We have received some very generous donations, but still need more funds to complete this important project.

CDC Information Room

When parents and carers hear about their child’s disabilities, sources of further information and help are always needed. The aim of the Information Room is to provide a wide range of helpful sources and materials. In particular, we are raising funds to supply reference materials, library books, leaflets, pamphlets, computer, Internet access, videos, CDs, DVDs, etc. The room is regularly staffed by volunteers from the Disability Resource Centre (see Links) and by the Bedford & District Cerebral Palsy Society. Other organisations also occasionally hold drop-in sessions.

Our target is £4,000. We have received some very generous donations, but still need more funds to complete this important facility.

Completed Projects

Major Extension to the Child Development Centre

Over a seven year period, referrals to the Child Development Centre trebled and the lack of space severely constrained the service and greatly increased waiting lists. The professionals at the Centre pressed continually for more space, but neither statutory service had capital to fund an extension. Following a very large grant of £400,000 from the Bedford Charity (Harpur Trust), agreement was reached for a building project to start. Our charity - “The Friends of the Bedford Child Development Centre” - was established in July 2001 to raise the remainder of the £1.2m required.

With major support from national and local Trust Funds, local companies, organisations, individuals, plus many fundraising events, the target was reached. The major new extension, which almost doubled the size of the original building, was completed in October 2003 and formally opened in March 2004.

The first area to be occupied in late 2003 was the Sensory Impairment and Communication Difficulties section. This was followed rapidly by the new multi-sensory room, soft-play area, music therapy room, gymnasium, autism classroom, and parents & carers facilities.

The new facilities and equipment, combined with the skills and enthusiasm of all the staff, is enabling more children to attend and benefit from prompt treatment. It will also ensure that the CDC remains a nationally recognised centre of excellence.