SPLASH: The Duke of Kent is shown plans for the new hydrotherapy centre by David James, right, of David James Architects and Ken Parke of KPPC Ltd, centre (Picture: Diverse Abilities).

It was an absolute privilege to join Diverse Abilities for a special visit by the Duke of Kent, royal patron of the charity’s Splash Appeal.

Our managing director Ken Parke represented KPPC Ltd during the day at the Beehive Centre in Poole in celebration of the £1m appeal for a hydrotherapy pool.

We’re proud to have provided support to help the charity gain planning permission for the therapy pool for adults with profound and life-long disabilities in Dorset.

Diverse Abilities provides hydrotherapy for children at its specialist school but has no facilities to continue this when they become adults, even though they need and deserve it just as much.

Without a therapy pool the charity says it is unable to meet the increasingly complex needs of a growing number of adults with profound disabilities.

The development is due to be built within the campus of the charity’s Beehive Adult Centre in Manor Avenue, in Poole, which offers care and support for adults with complex needs.

KPPC has worked on the project with David James Architects (DJA), which has been a supporter of Diverse Abilities for several years. 

During his tour of the Beehive centre, the Duke of Kent met invited guests, staff, and students.

He took the opportunity to engage with the people supported at the centre, hearing about the activities they were taking part in including Father’s Day crafts, baking in the specialist training kitchen, and taking part in physiotherapy sessions.

The Beehive supports 50 adults living with physical and learning disabilities, with conditions including Cerebral Palsy, epilepsy, chromosomal disorders, undiagnosed syndromes, and complex and multiple learning disabilities. 

At the centre they are able to enjoy life enriching activities and much-needed therapy; once built the new therapy pool will provide immense benefits to their physical and emotional wellbeing.

Many thanks to Diverse Abilities for the invitation to attend the royal visit and see some of the amazing work it does first hand.

Find out more about The Splash Appeal and how you can get involved at thesplashappeal.org.uk, or visit diverseabilities.org.uk to find out more about Diverse Abilities and the services it provides.

(Many thanks to Diverse Abilities for use of the pictures from the visit)