Central Swindon North Parish Council is proud to announce that it has been awarded £19,936 by The National Lottery Community Fund to develop a Neuro Diverse Inclusive Programme and dedicated sensory space at Parkside Hub in Penhill, Swindon.
This exciting new initiative marks a significant expansion of Central Swindon North Parish Council’s youth service provision and underlines its continued commitment to empowering young people, supporting families, and strengthening communities in areas facing complex social challenges, building on the success of the renovation and opening of Parkside Hub.
This vital funding will allow the Parish Council to launch a new weekly session at Parkside Hub specifically for neuro-diverse young people and their families. The new programme responds directly to feedback from local families and young people, who identified a lack of inclusive activities for those with additional needs. With this funding, the Parish Council will equip and operate a supervised sensory space, providing a safe, welcoming environment for children and young people with neurodiverse conditions.
Creating safe, inclusive spaces for all young people – especially those who may not feel able to attend mainstream provision – is a key step towards promoting positive engagement, wellbeing, and community cohesion.
Initially running for 24 months, the project aims to engage over 20 young people each week. Sessions will be led by trained youth workers and supported by volunteers, including young people themselves. Activities will range from sensory play and skills workshops to leadership opportunities and peer-led events.
The initiative aligns with three of The National Lottery’s funding priorities:
- Bringing People Together: By creating a dedicated space for neuro-diverse young people and their families to connect, the project fosters peer support, inclusion, and shared community experience. All sessions will be free, with snacks, resources, and safe transport provided where needed.
- Improving Places That Matter: This project builds on the success of transforming a neglected park building into the vibrant Parkside Hub. By expanding its offer, the Parish Council ensures that young people with additional needs feel included in a space already valued by the wider community.
- Helping People Reach Their Potential: Young people will take part in coaching, volunteering, and skill-building – such as cooking and outreach leadership – giving them tools for future success. The programme is co-designed with local youth, ensuring relevance and ownership.
The project has been developed in close consultation with young people, parents, Wiltshire Police, and community stakeholders. The Parish Council will monitor impact through regular feedback, attendance data, and continued dialogue with local families and service users.
Cllr Paul Park (Penhill Ward) and Aaron Webb, Parish Youth & Community Officer
Penhill Ward Councillor, Paul Park, welcomed the news, saying, “When we opened the Parkside Hub, we knew we wanted it to push boundaries in the services the Parish offers. This funding from the National Lottery Community Fund allows us to deliver on that goal. As a someone with ADHD who has always struggled to find somewhere to feel ‘normal’, I’m proud that once again CSN is leading the way in support for the youth in our parish.”
This initiative represents a natural and strategic extension of the Parish Council’s expanding youth offer in Penhill and the wider area. It builds on the foundations of trusted relationships, proven engagement, and an inclusive approach to community development. If the programme proves successful, the Council is committed to seeking further funding and forging new partnerships to sustain and expand the work beyond the initial two-year period, ensuring that inclusive, high-quality youth services remain a permanent and evolving part of the local support network.