“Ruby’s is a local charity,” says Dawn, “that desperately wanted to create a sensory and soft play centre and social café for children with special needs in Congleton. What better use could I possibly imagine for my former Barefoot premises?”

Plans for the building include sensory play areas and rest and relaxation zones amongst many other groundbreaking features.


	Ruby enjoying the sensory delights of an illuminated ball-pool.

Alison Parr said “Ruby’s Fund trustee’s and committee are thrilled to announce their new home is the Barefoot Park, Buxton Road, Bosley. The site offers all the space required for the proposed sensory and soft play centre with social cafe for children with disabilities and additional needs, their families, friends and carers.

Ruby’s Fund has been searching for premises in the Congleton area for the past two years with no success. We cannot wait to start the next chapter of the charity’s journey in our new home.

“We welcome this fantastic opportunity to increase social and leisure provision for children and young people with disabilities and additional needs in our area. It is also our intention to provide carers facilities such as relaxation therapies and social events at Barefoot. We have a lot of hard work ahead but we are looking forward to the challenge. On behalf of the Ruby’s Fund team I would like to thank everybody who has supported us and would like to ask for your continued support”

Children and young people with disabilities and additional needs, along with their family carers and friends, often have difficulty finding safe, accessible places to have fun and socialise. The centre will offer a safe, stimulating environment, giving individuals and groups the chance to explore and develop in an inclusive setting, which is also ideal for therapy, relaxation, education and most importantly friendship and fun.

Alison Said “Without the help of Dawn and Paul Bates, we would still be homeless instead of looking forward to a prosperous future in Barefoot. Myself and the trustees and volunteers cannot thank them enough.”