This renovation initiative is a part of a broader five-year maintenance strategy aimed at revitalising the Farnham scheme buildings. The contribution will aid in maintaining the structures to avoid the need for extensive future repairs, ensuring they remain in excellent condition for disabled children and young people to benefit from in the foreseeable future. 

Established in 1979, Challengers is devoted to dismantling barriers to ensure inclusive play, leisure, and early educational opportunities for disabled children and young people aged 2-18 across Surrey, Hampshire, West Sussex, and Greater London. Their mission is to provide equal access to play for all, regardless of disabilities. Their commitment to full inclusivity is reflected in rigorous training for staff and volunteers. If a child presents with an unfamiliar impairment, Challengers invest in specialised training, ensuring every child’s safety and complete inclusion in their programs. 

Joanna McCaffrey, Trust Fundraising Officer, Challengers said “we are incredibly grateful to the VINCI Foundation UK for their generous grant. The money will be used to help refurbish our purpose built Playcentre in Farnham which houses our inclusive pre-school and Playscheme for disabled children. This means that we will be able to continue providing days of fun and friendship for disabled children from a building which is safe and fit for purpose. Without this service, these children would simply have no other option for play and 72% of families tell us that our services have an essential or significant impact on their families’ lives.” 

Beyond the financial contribution, Jack booth, Account Manager at Axians Wokingham, will assist the Challengers with painting and decorating, ensuring the building is fun, friendly and inviting. 

“It is my pleasure to support such a wonderful charity helping to provide play and leisure to disabled children. Before meeting Challengers, I wasn’t aware of the hurdles that these children will face in their everyday lives and with Challengers helping lift these hurdles, they can experience the fun and play time that all children and young people deserve” says Jack Booth, Account Manager, Axians. 

The VINCI UK Foundation was founded in 2016 with the mission to strengthen communities by improving access to employment, housing and mobility for society’s most disadvantaged and vulnerable people.

Since then, the VINCI UK Foundation has combined almost £1.3 million in financial support with the practical skills and expertise of VINCI employees to help over 248 charities or community projects championing social inclusion across the UK and Republic of Ireland. 
 
Find out more about Challengers and the VINCI UK Foundation.