A MALVERN charity is getting support from near and far in its bid to set up a centre for children with disabilities and special educational needs.

The Association for Rehabilitation of Communication and Oral Skills (Arcos) in Hatherton Lodge, Avenue Road, has received donations of toys from local and regional families, organisations and charities towards its planned stay and play centre.

The charity, which operates a nationwide outreach service with a team of occupational and speech therapists, moved to set up Smile (Sensation and Movement Interactions for Life Experiences) after receiving funding from Children in Need.

Samantha Jones, project leader for Smile, said: “Although the project is still under development we have had overwhelming support from local and regional families.

“These conditions are often complex, persist throughout life and require specialised, longterm treatment.

“Our goal is to enable clients to benefit from the latest advances in knowledge, understanding, skills and technology.”

Donors have included Jacob and Nathan Matthews, aged four and six, who travelled with their mother from Bristol to hand over some money, and Leominster-based non-profit community group Bridge Street Buddies, who provide low-cost and accessible opportunities for children and their families to have fun together.

Arcos works to improve life for children and adults who have communication, eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties.

For more information about the charity, or to make a donation, call 01684 576795.