A DISABILITY charity is looking forward to a bright future in 2015.

Worcester Snoezelen, which is based in St John’s, won almost £50,000 from The People’s Millions funding programme in November and will use the money for its ambitious Zone project.

The scheme will create a specialist activity area with soft play equipment, a sensory ball pool and an interactive floor projection system that will benefit children and adults with complex health needs and multiple learning disabilities.

Jane Roberts, chief officer of Worcester Snoezelen, said: “We offer leisure activities specifically for people who have disabilities and additional needs.

“We are a small charity which has a big impact. People benefit from our services by means of therapeutic experiences, meaningful stimulation and as an outlet for expression through music or the arts.

“Some people use our services because there is simply nowhere else which caters for their very individual needs. Others may be looking to join social activities to have fun or for relaxation.

“The Zone project will make a huge difference to the lives of our users. With overhead hoisting the new activity area will allow anyone of any age the opportunity to access recreational activity.

“Being physically active is especially important for people who have disabilities to support their individual needs and help live a full and healthy life.”

The Zone project will cater for people with wide variety of disabilities such as autism, complex health needs or profound and multiple learning disabilities.

Work to create the area will commence in April and a grand opening will follow.

The charity has also increased its profile by winning the public vote and scooping the major cash boost from The People’s Millions.

“For many years we have heard people tell us 'we have never heard of the charity' and 'I've lived in Worcester for years and didn't know the charity exists'”, added Jane Roberts.

“But now it seems lots of people have heard of Worcester Snoezelen.

“We really hope the raised profile we have had through ITV and the lottery partnered competition will assist with our on-going fundraising for the charity.

“A really big thank you to everyone who supported Worcester Snoezelen and picked up the phone and voted for us.

“We have been astounded to have won such a high profile competition. Much of this comes down to the support of Worcestershire organisations and individuals.”

The charity already has a multi-sensory centre which provides a place where people can explore their surroundings at their own pace, free of demands and pressure, and where they can simply be themselves.

Use of coloured lights, warm water-beds, bubble tubes and soothing music makes for "an environment where experiential learning happens effortlessly".

By providing with these surroundings the charity aims to offer its users an enjoyable and accessible leisure activity.

Music, drama and the arts are also used to help boost members’ confidence by giving them the opportunity to perform in front of large crowds or create art work for sale.

The charity, which sees 300 people with disabilities come through its doors each week, was founded in 1993 by Penny Brazier specifically to fill the gap in community leisure services for people with disabilities.

For more information visit worcestersnoezelen.org.uk