We Are Beams are thrilled to announce that we have been awarded the Special Project Award at the Kent Charity Awards.

The aim of these prestigious local awards is to showcase the hard work and perseverance that charities undertake to make the lives of others better.

We have been awarded for our new garden which we raised an incredible £200,000 to transform our once run down and shabby garden to a completely inclusive environment for disabled children and their families to enjoy.

This capital appeal was the biggest in the charity’s history and Beams are delighted that this successful project has been recognised.

The new garden, which opened in March, includes specialist play equipment and the whole area is on one level with outside cover so the children can enjoy the space whatever the weather. There is also a sensory area with edible plants, a water feature and a vegetable patch.

This new space is now enjoyed on a daily basis by the children that stay overnight in respite care, plus holiday clubs, special needs schools, general visitors and play groups.

Since opening the garden, the charity have have watched the children and young people develop their communication skills and have seen the anxiety reduce now that they are outdoors again. With disabled children and young people, travelling from all over Kent to play on the wheelchair adapted swings and play frames.