The Limes ... is passionate about providing an environment where disabled and non-disabled children can play and work together, where no one is excluded, where difference is valued and everyone can participate to their full potential.

The Limes Community and Children's Centre is an inclusive project at the heart of the community that was established to meet the need for a play and recreational centre in the London Borough of Waltham Forest that is accessible to disabled and non-disabled children and young people.

The Limes was set up following prolonged lobbying by local parents and local disability service providers, particularly Barnardo's Hamara Family Project, for a dedicated safe play space, which meets the needs of all children. The Project consulted widely with parents and young people about the problems that faced them and many people stated that they had difficulty accessing leisure services including parks.

It is widely acknowledged by child development specialists that play is a fundamental part of every child's development. Therefore, children who may have additional needs arising from a specific disability are in need of extra stimulation and should consequently have access to a suitable play environment that is designed to meet individual needs and enable all children to fulfill their potential.

During 1999, in partnership with Waltham Forest, Hamara organised the ‘Where Can I Play?' Conference, which highlighted the need for a safe alternative play area for ALL children in the Borough. Without inclusive play provisions many disabled children were being denied their right to play. A definitive need for an inclusive play environment was identified as a solution to the problem many children and their parents were facing.

Following the ‘Where Can I Play?' conference in May 1999, Hamara were approached by the New Opportunities for Walthamstow Single Regeneration Board to be partners in the development of an inclusive, dedicated play building. The Limes finally opened it's doors at William Morris Hall in June 2004 and since then we have been developing lots of fun and exciting activities!

The Limes works to actively empower young people in the area, particularly those at risk of social exclusion and it also seeks to provide a model for inclusion not only within the centre but within the wider community as a whole through providing a space where everyone is accepted as equal and where diversity is embraced.

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