Revamped outdoor space brings joy to Cardiff assessment centre

An outdoor area at the Llandough Children’s Assessment Centre (LCAC) in Penarth, near Cardiff, has undergone a dramatic transformation, creating a new, accessible space for hundreds of children with complex needs.

(Llandough Children’s Assessment Centre)

The once derelict 140m² site, which had been unused and unsafe for over two decades, has been brought back to life thanks to a community-driven initiative led by national children’s charity WellChild.

Part of WellChild’s Helping Hands programme, the project was powered by corporate volunteers and funded in part by Mortgage Advice Bureau, which pledged to triple all crowdfunded donations up to £5,000. Volunteers from companies including St. James’s Place, Bad Wolf, British Gas, Speedy Hire, and Worldpay spent five days revitalising the outdoor area, installing levelled flooring, ramps, and sensory equipment to ensure the space is safe, welcoming, and fully accessible for children of all abilities.

(Llandough Children's Assessment Centre under construction)

LCAC, based at University Hospital Llandough, plays a critical role in assessing and supporting children with developmental, behavioural, and medical needs. The new outdoor environment is designed to support up to 650 children each year, many of whom experience mobility or sensory challenges.

(WellChild’s Helping Hands staff onsite)

“This is a powerful example of what our Helping Hands programme can achieve,” said Matt James, CEO of WellChild. “By bringing together volunteers, businesses, and public support, we’ve created a space that will make a lasting difference to the lives of the children who rely on LCAC.”

(Llandough Children's Assessment Centre)

The project marks a significant expansion of WellChild’s typical work, which often focuses on transforming private gardens for families of seriously ill children. This larger, public-facing project shows the wider potential of creating inclusive, therapeutic environments within healthcare settings.

(Family enjoying the garden at the Llandough Children's Assessment Centre)

Corporate volunteers echoed the sense of purpose behind the transformation. Joseph Rouse of Worldpay said, “It was a privilege to support such an incredible cause. Helping transform this outdoor space was hard work—but truly rewarding.”

(Family enjoying some much needed fun time)

Specialist occupational therapist Morag Stewart added: “This investment by WellChild gives us a much-needed outdoor area for therapeutic use. It’s an exciting milestone that will benefit children, families and therapists for years to come.”

(Corporate Volunteers helping create the project)

The new space is now ready to support meaningful outdoor experiences for some of Cardiff’s most vulnerable young people.