Past, present, and future…
Founded in 1955...
By Mrs Phyllis Edwards, Diverse Abilities formed from a group of parents intent on providing better opportunities for their children with physical and learning disabilities.
The charity was born after Phyllis discovered untapped need, support, and common purpose amongst other families in Poole and Bournemouth facing similar challenges.
Diverse Abilities has grown steadily since it was established in 1955 and we are proud to be able to boast of having supported hundreds of adults and children over the years.
This would not have been possible without the tenacity of Phyllis, her family and everyone that has been involved with Diverse Abilities for the past 60 plus years.
Our history
1955 - Diverse Abilities was founded by Phyllis Edwards following a letter sent to the Bournemouth Echo seeking other parents of children with cerebral palsy to meet up with and share their experiences
1956 - The first day centre opens in Bournemouth for two days a week
1959 - A hall is constructed in Poole for everyone to meet at, now known as Langside School
1967 - Langside was extended, and land was bought to begin developing Edward House
1974 - Edward House opens and the first adults move in together
1989 - First bungalow purchased to provide respite care for children with disabilities
1991 - Edward House gets an extension
1994 - Barnabas, now The Beehive, is opened as a day centre for adults with disabilities
2000 - Following a grant from The National Lottery, The Beehive’s extension is constructed and opened
2003 - Residents of Edward House grow their independence and move into their own bungalows
2007 - Langside School granted specialist school status
2011 - Coping with CHAOS and Disability Wessex merge with Diverse Abilities
2015 - A history book is produced for our 60th anniversary - click here to read
2019 - Lawford Lodge opens, providing respite for young people transitioning to adult services
2020 - COVID-19 brought the world to a stand still and we continued to provide vital care and support for families
2021 - STARs was launched to provide support for the siblings of children with additional needs
2024 - The Children’s Short Break services expand to a new site opposite Bournemouth Airport, The Treehouse, developing new services to cater for more needs and to support more families.
2025 - We celebrated our 70th anniversary and collected memories from over the generations. Click here to read the our special Bournemouth Echo birthday supplement.
“My brother has used Diverse Abilities his entire life. (He’s almost 50!) He has loved every minute of it! He attended Langside School, Lily’s Place, and The Beehive. I also found my love for Diverse Abilities. Growing up visiting the school and respite home made me find my passion, which was to work at both places. I even did some hours at The Beehive. I have had the amazing opportunity to meet so many wonderful children, adults, families, and co-workers. I have many fond memories, but my favourite is going to Langside, to see my brother as a child and being made to feel so welcome. ”
“Diverse Abilities has been a huge part of my life for the past 28 years. I remember supporting many amazing children at Smithers (Lily’s Place) which at the time was just one house and we had two children per staff member to get up, washed, dressed, and fed before sending them off to school - we had a perfect routine between us!”
“We have always had a ‘can do’, ‘get stuck in’ attitude and I have fond memories of the CEOs (Paul and then Mark) helping us out on shift and taking part in some fun activities in order for us to provide a great service for the children and young people. The growth in the organisation since I first started in 1997 is huge, I still remember when our Central services had just a small office in Barnabas (The Beehive) and we used to go over there every Monday to do our photocopying for the week.”
“Working at Langside School and Project My Time has led to some amazing memories. Being in the pool seeing their enjoyment and relaxation, seeing them progress with new skills, and watching them try new activities are just some of my favourite memories from my time working with Diverse Abilities. ”
“I always think of the first time we visited Coping with CHAOS for a bubble session, Poppy and Dexter with Sebby in the giant bubble, making friends for life. ”