History

The Beckly Centre was first established in 1978 at the Scott Hospital Complex in Plymouth as an adventure playground. At the time this was an inspired initiative to provide adventurous play opportunities for children and young people with 'Special Needs' in a safe environment. Initially it came under the Plymouth Health Authority and for several years continued to operate from within the Hospital grounds.

Due to re-development of Scott hospital, Beckly had to relocate and since then has spent a number of years operating from various temporary sites all around the City. The activities programme and respite offered by Beckly were much valued by families using the service so when the Health Authority funding was withdrawn management was taken over by a dedicated voluntary committeee.

In 1992 Beckly achieved status as a Registered Charity no 1015420. Over the years the programme of activities has evolved to provide a range of leisure time sessional activites focused on providing qood quality play, receational and social opportunities that can be either centre based or on trips and outings.

In July 2001, the Beckly Centre relocated to the Radford Building at Mayers Way Plymstock. This is a barn conversion which comprises of two large play halls, kitchen, toilets and office with attached storage areas and a small garden area. A 15 year lease has been negotiated with City of Plymouth and it is intended that this building will be a permenant base for Beckly.

The Beckly Centre is registered with Ofsted to provide Day Care Services. The Beckly Centre is constituted as a 'Company Limited by Gaurantee' no.2763979. The Management Committee oversees the day to day management of the Beckly Centre, working within guidelines laid down by the Charity Commissioners, through the full time Manager and dedicated teams of paid and voluntary support workers who deal with the hands on work with children and young people.

The Beckly Centre is funded by:- Donations from a wide range of individuals, groups and fund raising bodies. Fee income charged for activities and sessions Awards from grant making bodies such as BBC Children in Need, City of Plymouth through Plymouth 4 Youth and Plymouth Early Years Partnership. Specific funding from organisation such as Sports England for Development Work. Service Level Contracts with City of Plymouth (Social Services) and Plymouth Teaching Primary Care Trust.

July 2001