The Royal Society for Blind Children is celebrating its first anniversary in its award-winning Richard Desmond’s Life Without Limits Centre (LWLC) for children, young people and their families in the heart of London.

RSBC’s CEO, Sue Sharp comments:

“We are excited to be celebrating our first year at the LWLC with the children, young people and families. This is their space after all. One where they can engage in activities, make new friends and grow the skills and confidence for life. It has been lovely to see and hear them enjoying the Centre and to hear their feedback.”

The space at 10 Lower Thames Street was made available to RSBC through the generosity of businessman and philanthropist Richard Desmond and designed by EPR architects who were supported by Hollis, Zumtobel and Team ITG.  The build was very generously funded by a host of family and corporate foundations as well as individuals.

In the LWLC, the Royal Society for Blind Children has created a welcoming and friendly space for blind and partially sighted children and their families to enjoy. Over the last year they have been taking part in cooking and life skills classes in the bright and accessible kitchen space; creating their own podcasts and getting creative in the media and creatives suites; learning and upskilling in assistive tech and employment skills in the learning hub; and being able to have personal conversations in the cosy family rooms. The double height, flexible atrium area has provided space for events including clay and animal workshops, and musical performances.

The children and young people have said:

“I just wanted to say thank you for the afternoon tea session today. I thoroughly enjoyed it and it was a brilliant event!”

 “Thank you for welcoming me into the Sisterhood group, I enjoyed my first session and like that I have met other VI girls to talk to”

“Continue to keep up the good work and providing activities.”

 “I had the best day ever!”

The LWLC is also the head office of the RSBC and students from the Royal Society for Blind Children’s specialist Further Education college, Dorton College, also use the space to support their learning.

The organisation has been able to welcome a range of charity partners who have been able to utilise the flexible space and corporate supporters have also been welcomed.

At the birthday party on Saturday 11^th March children, young people and families will be able to take part in a whole host of activities including birthday cupcake making; arts and crafts; gaming; trying out new technology; soft play; playing musical instruments as well as exploring the Centre. Find out more about the party here.

The LWLC is hugely valuable to the children, young people and families, and the charity relies on the support of generous donors to keep the full range of activities running.