TO celebrate Springboard Opportunity Group's 40th anniversary, Stefan Mackley has been looking at the stories of some of the children who attend the centre, are due to leave or have already left and their experiences of the group.

Founded 40 years ago, Chippenham charity Springboard Opportunity Group has been supporting young children with disabilities and their families from across Wiltshire, helping hundreds over the decades.

From small beginnings at the Bridge Centre in 1976, the charity has operated out of Lodge Road since 2010, with its premises now including two play areas, a sensory room and a garden.

Sarah Low joined the centre, when it was based at Frogwell Hospital, in 1988 as a two-year-old and spent three years there before moving on to a mainstream school.

The 30-year-old suffered speech problems but it wasn’t until August 2011 that she was diagnosed with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder).

Her mum Sue said: “She joined when she was two-and-a-half. We didn’t know then that she was on the autism spectrum but a health visitor came and said Springboard would be a nice place for her to go and get help.

“It was just wonderful. They gave her speech therapy and all the things that she needed and it helped her to get into mainstream school.

“She didn’t have eye contact, she didn’t use words really until about three and it was repetitive speech, but Springboard were amazing with their therapies and play.

“It was like an extended family, and still is.”

Miss Low now volunteers at the centre and helps to raise the £50,000 required every year to keep the group running.

“I help out because we’re giving back in a way,” said Miss Low, who also works part-time at a photography company in Corsham.

“I’ve helped out at Castle Combe and done fancy-dress to raise money for Springboard and sometimes go along to the Friends meetings.”

Mrs Low, 69, who lives in Rudloe, added: “With Sarah I can remember going to the GP and pushing for a diagnosis and was told it was just one little unplugged wire and I left feeling worried as a parent.

“Things have changed completely though and it’s wonderful children can be diagnosed, it’s a different time.

“Springboard are a lifesaver, they get the best out of a child.”

Send your Springboard story or pictures to Jane Boulton at manager@springboardchippenham.co.uk.