There are lots of ways to help Rainbow Hub. Take on a challenge, do your own event, volunteer at one of ours, sign up or make a single ‘quick click’ donation. Whatever you do, it will brighten the lives of more disabled children and young people.
A heartwarming community project transformed outdoor space at Rainbow Hub in Mawdesley, creating an accessible and inclusive garden for children with complex needs and disabilities. This ambitious project was powered by volunteers from British Gas, and was coordinated by WellChild, the national charity for seriously ill children.
The transformation project, part of WellChild’s ‘Helping Hands’ programme, took place over a five-day period (6-10 Oct) with new teams of volunteers from British Gas on-site each day. The initiative revitalised a garden area, making it more accessible, engaging and enjoyable for the children that Rainbow Hub supports.
Rainbow Hub is a charity that provides children and young people with physical disabilities because of neurological conditions or brain injuries with life-changing rehabilitation services. Their vision is to brighten the lives of disabled children, and they work with as many as 100 families every week from their purpose-built site in the Lancashire countryside.
Lyndsay Fahey, CEO at Rainbow Hub commented on the project saying:
“We are all delighted that WellChild has chosen Rainbow Hub for one of their community projects and are so grateful to them and British Gas. The area developed was largely inaccessible for wheelchairs and this project changed that and created a space where our children can enjoy outdoors and the benefits of nature. They will be able to feel different textures beneath them and enjoy planting and watching flowers grow. They will also be able to learn about the creatures that the developed area will attract. Our indoor facilities have been developed to meet the specific needs of the children we support, and it will be great to be able to offer an outdoor space as well that can be enjoyed by the children and families all year round. We cannot thank WellChild and British Gas enough.”
WellChild’s ‘Helping Hands’ programme is renowned for transforming around 25 private gardens each year, enriching lives of seriously ill children across the country by making their home garden spaces safe and accessible. However, this project at Rainbow Hub stands out due to its community-based approach, with the potential to benefit a significantly larger number of children.
Matt James, WellChild CEO said:
“We were thrilled to partner with British Gas on this incredible community project at Rainbow Hub. Over the course of the week, the outdoor space became a place to make happy memories and truly enrich the lives of thousands of children with complex medical needs over the next decade and beyond, allowing them to thrive in their community with their families and friends.”
British Gas’ involvement in this project underscores the company’s commitment to giving back to the communities in which they work. With a team of up to 15 enthusiastic volunteers per day, British Gas provided the peoplepower and resources necessary to bring the ambitious vision to life. This collaboration with WellChild and Rainbow Trust highlights the power of corporate social responsibility in driving positive change and making a tangible difference in the lives of local children.
“At British Gas, every colleague receives two paid volunteering days each year, and in 2025 our Metering teams have really embraced that opportunity. We’ve been proud to support WellChild on a number of projects across the country, and this week we’re thrilled to be part of the transformation at Rainbow Hub. It’s a powerful example of what happens when passionate people come together, creating a space that will bring joy, connection and opportunity to children with complex needs for years to come.”
Luke Worgan, Head of Product and Performance – Metering, British Gas,
Project Details and Goals
The community garden transformation at Rainbow Hub was designed to cater to the specific needs of children with complex conditions, ensuring they have a safe, stimulating, and accessible outdoor environment. The project included:
- Raised garden beds: To allow wheelchair access and enable children of all abilities to participate in gardening activities.
- Sensory areas: Incorporating plants, textures, and sounds that provide sensory stimulation and therapeutic benefits.
- Shaded seating areas: Offering comfortable spaces for rest and relaxation.
- Accessible pathways: Ensuring easy navigation for children with mobility issues.
- Interactive play zones: Promoting physical activity and social interaction among students.
About WellChild
WellChild is the national charity for seriously ill children and their families. More than 100,000 children and young people are living across the UK with serious health needs. Many spend months, even years in hospital simply because there is no support enabling them to leave. Meanwhile those who are at home face inconsistent and inadequate levels of support.
Through a UK-wide network of children’s nurses; home and garden transformation projects; and family information and support services, WellChild exists to give this growing population of children and young people the best chance to thrive – properly supported at home, together with their families.
Images below show the area before and after cpmpletion of the project, together with images courtesy of Lancashire Post
