Transformation of Outdoor Space at Cardiff Assessment Centre Set to Benefit Hundreds of Children with Complex Needs
A rundown outdoor area at the Llandough Children’s Assessment Centre (LCAC) in Llandough, Penarth underwent a remarkable transformation this week, thanks to a community-driven initiative coordinated by WellChild, the national charity for seriously ill children.
The project, part of WellChild’s nationwide Helping Hands programme, saw a team of corporate volunteers from companies such as St. James’s Place, Bad Wolf, and Speedy Hire overhaul an unsafe and unused 140m² area at the rear of the LCAC building, which is part of University Hospital Llandough. The space, which was in a poor state of repair and inaccessible to children who visit the centre, has been brought back to life to provide a safe, welcoming, and fully accessible environment for the hundreds of children and young people who visit the centre each year.
LCAC provides vital developmental, behavioural, and medical assessments to children with a wide range of complex needs. The newly transformed space includes levelled flooring, ramps, and sensory play equipment; features designed to support and enhance the wellbeing of children with mobility and sensory challenges. Once completed, the outdoor area is expected to benefit up to 650 children annually.
The five-day project has been powered by the good-will of dozens of volunteers from the participating companies, with funding sourced through public donations to a crowdfunder. Crucially, Mortgage Advice Bureau pledged to triple all donations up to £5,000, hugely increasing the impact of every pound raised.
Matt James, WellChild CEO, said: “We’re incredibly excited to bring this ambitious community project to life in Cardiff. Transforming this space into a safe, accessible and enriching area will make a lasting difference to hundreds of children every year who rely on LCAC. It’s a powerful example of what WellChild's Helping Hands programme can achieve when volunteers, companies and the public come together with the shared goal of improving the lives of children with complex medical needs.”
The transformation at LCAC builds on the success of similar Helping Hands projects around the UK. Typically focused on adapting private gardens for individual families, this larger-scale community project highlights the programme’s broader impact and the importance of creating inclusive environments in public healthcare settings.
Corporate partners involved in the project echoed their enthusiasm for the opportunity to give back. Joseph Rouse, Regional Business Manager at Worldpay said:
“It was an absolute privilege to get to roll my sleeves up and support such an incredible cause with WellChild in Cardiff. It was a long and tough day but superbly managed. I'm proud to work for a company like Worldpay that gives me the opportunity to give back to communities. Helping transform this outdoor space with WellChild was brilliant and will make a real difference in the lives of the children and families who use it.”
Morag Stewart, a specialist occupational therapist for children and young people at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board added:
“We are incredibly grateful for the wonderful investment WellChild have made. This project will provide a beautiful outdoor space for children, young people and families to access as part of therapeutic input.
“The current space has been inaccessible for more than 20 years and we are looking forward to having the space fully restored. This is an exciting milestone that will provide a safe and accessible space for children, families and therapists within nature.”
Project Overview – What Has Been Delivered:
Installation of safe, level flooring and ramps to ensure accessibility for all mobility levels
Sensory play equipment to provide therapeutic and developmental benefits
Rejuvenation of green space for calming, outdoor interaction
Creation of a secure and inclusive environment where children can relax and engage
This project stands as a testament to the power of community collaboration and the life-changing impact of accessible environments for children with complex needs.