Discover Diverse Abilities, the Dorset charity supporting children and adults with complex physical and learning disabilities. From specialist education and family support to inclusive activities, social events and fundraising across Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch and beyond, find out how the charity helps local people and how you can get involved.
12th October 2026
A night of dancing in Bournemouth, a creative workshop in Hurn or an evening of entertainment in Poole. Diverse Abilities’ autumn calendar offers plenty of ways to get involved with a local charity whose work reaches far beyond its fundraising events.
Supporting children and adults with complex physical and learning disabilities across Dorset since 1955, Diverse Abilities provides specialist education, care, activities and family support.
Its services help people enjoy everyday experiences, build friendships and live with greater independence, while giving families practical help along the way.
For families caring for a child with disabilities, finding activities that meet their needs can make a real difference.
Diverse Abilities’ Children’s Team offers support at home and in the community, alongside holiday sessions, youth activities and opportunities for siblings to spend time with others who understand their experiences.
Langside School provides specialist education for children aged two to 19 with profound and multiple learning disabilities and complex medical needs, combining learning with therapeutic and nursing support.
At The Treehouse in Hurn, near Christchurch, families can join groups designed around different ages and needs.
These include Little Squirrels for under-fives with special educational needs and Baby Buddies for families with babies who have complex medical conditions.
Just Drop In sessions also offer somewhere to meet other families and enjoy activities together, without needing to be registered with the charity.
In Parkstone, The Beehive is Diverse Abilities’ therapy and activity day centre for adults.
Facilities include an accessible kitchen, physiotherapy rooms and a Sensorium offering immersive experiences.
The charity’s supported living service provides care around the clock, shaped around each person’s needs and choices. Its adult activities also create opportunities to socialise, learn skills and take part in experiences that support wellbeing.
Feel Good Fridays at The Treehouse offer another way to get involved, with soft play, mini golf and a sensory room.
Adults do not need to be registered with Diverse Abilities to attend.
Diverse Abilities also works with Bar Coast to bring inclusive SEND club nights to Bournemouth through Limitless.
The next event, Monster Mash, takes place on Friday 16 October 2026, from 7pm to 9pm, at Bar Coast on Old Christchurch Road.
For adults aged 18 and over, the Halloween-themed evening offers music, dancing and a chance to meet others, with optional fancy dress.
Tickets cost £5, with carer tickets priced at £2.50.
Anyone who needs support must arrange it themselves and book a carer ticket, as support staff are not provided.
Further nights are scheduled for 20 November and 18 December.
Run Bournemouth on 10 and 11 October offers runners an opportunity to raise funds for the charity along the seafront.
At The Treehouse, Seaglass Art on 15 October brings a workshop led by Sunny Bunny Crafts, followed by Oktoberfest on 24 October, when the venue becomes “The Treehaus” for the day.
Families can join Playtime! on 29 October, a public soft-play session raising funds for Diverse Abilities.
Paint & Play on 8 November combines decorating a reusable advent calendar with time in soft play.
There is also a LUSH Bath Bombs event on 3 November at the LUSH Green Hub, including bath-bomb making, knot wraps and a tour.
For a dressed-up evening out, the charity’s Gala Ball takes place at Lighthouse, Poole, on 21 November.
The festive programme includes a Christmas Wreath Workshop at The Beehive on 2 December, Mrs Claus’ Grotto at The Treehouse on 6 December, a Christmas Concert at St Peter’s Church, Bournemouth, on 9 December, and a Christmas Biscuit Workshop at GATHER on 12 December.
Whether you are looking for family support or an event to enjoy with friends, Diverse Abilities’ website is a useful place to start.
Visit Diverse Abilities to explore its services, or browse the events calendar for booking details and ways to support its work.
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