A LOCAL charity dedicated to supporting children with complex disabilities and their families, Brody’s Trust, has successfully secured the purchase of the former Joys Green Primary School.

This significant acquisition will help bring to life the trust’s vision for a bespoke multi-sensory hub that will provide essential support services to families in the Forest of Dean and beyond.

The hub, which will be known as Brody’s Sensory Hub, will serve as a sanctuary for children aged 0-18 with complex disabilities, life-limiting conditions, and special educational needs. It will also provide much-needed support for parents and siblings.

This transformative initiative has been inspired by the lived experiences of Nicola and Mike Baggott, who founded the charity in memory of their son, Brody. Their aim is to create a space where families can form precious memories, reduce isolation, and build support networks within the community.

The Sensory Hub is designed to be a welcoming and accessible space, featuring a variety of sensory areas and specialist facilities to cater to the unique needs of the children and families it will serve.

Among the planned features will be themed sensory areas, including a Blackout Sensory Room, Chill-Out Zone, Activity Room, and Soft Playroom.

There will also be a community meeting space and an accessible, fully equipped changing room. In addition to these sensory spaces, the hub will offer supportive services such as after-school and holiday clubs, sibling sessions, and coffee mornings, all designed to help families connect, share experiences, and feel supported.

“We want to share Brody’s light with others,” said Nicola Baggott: “Brody’s smile lit up every room, and we want to create a space where families can laugh, play, and feel supported, without the financial and emotional burdens that often come with caring for children with complex needs.”

Since launching in January 2024, Brody’s Trust has made remarkable progress, raising £90,000 towards the sensory hub’s development. The total cost of the project is estimated to be £250,000, and the charity is continuing to fundraise to reach this target.

Support has already come from local organisations like the Pied Piper Trust and Barnwood Trust, along with local councils and community groups.

Volunteers will play a crucial role in the development of the hub, and the charity has already engaged local tradespeople, schools, and families to help with the renovation process.

Opportunities for volunteers will include gardening, renovations, and facilitating play sessions for the children.

With the purchase of Joys Green Primary School now complete, Brody’s Trust is preparing to start renovations in early 2025.

The Sensory Hub is expected to open in the summer of the same year, providing a lasting impact on the lives of children and families in the Forest of Dean and across Gloucestershire.

Lynn Teague, Fundraiser for Brody’s Trust, expressed her gratitude for the support the project has already received: “We are incredibly grateful to Gloucestershire County Council and all of our supporters for believing in our vision. Together, we can make a difference and create a lasting impact on the lives of those facing extraordinary challenges.”