About Kids in Action Children's Charity
Our mission is to bring joy and positivity to children and adults with special needs in a safe, non-judgemental environment reducing isolation and loneliness.
A Place to Belong, Grow, and Thrive
Loneliness. Prejudice. Bullying. Exclusion. For too many young people with learning difficulties, these are everyday realities—piled on top of the unique challenges they already navigate. At Kids in Action, we rewrite the story—one where every child is seen, supported, and celebrated.
Since 1995, we’ve created a safe, welcoming space where children and young adults with disabilities and special needs can just be themselves. A space filled with laughter, friendship, and opportunity—where confidence flourishes and happiness grows.
And we’re here for families, too. Whether you’re looking for a friendly support network or simply a little breathing space, you’ll find a vibrant community of people who understand what you’re going through—because they’ve been there, too.
Changing Lives, One Smile at a Time
To someone on the outside, it might be hard to grasp just how much of a difference we make. We see it every day—and so do the families who walk through our doors. It never stops being a joy.
Parents often tell us about the visible, meaningful changes they’ve seen in their children and young adults. For many, Kids in Action is the first place they’ve formed genuine friendships with peers—breaking through the loneliness, lifting anxieties, and creating space for confidence to grow.
The impact doesn’t stop there. For parents, carers, and siblings, our sessions offer something just as vital: time to breathe, connect with others, and witness their loved one relaxed and having fun in a place where they truly belong.
Our mission is simple but powerful—to spread joy, belonging, and positivity to more families every week.
Our History
Kids in Action began in 1995 with a simple yet powerful idea: create a welcoming youth club for children with special needs—somewhere their siblings could come along and feel just as included.
That vision belonged to our founder, Paul Bowen-James, who was joined by two dedicated trustees. Since then, we’ve welcomed three more trustees to help guide and grow the mission.
From humble beginnings—a once-a-week club in a local community centre with just 12 young people—we’ve grown into something extraordinary. Today, we operate from a vibrant 12,000 square foot building, offering club days, evening and weekend sessions to over 350 children, young people and adults with special needs every single week.
The joy doesn’t stop there. We also have a luxury caravan by the coast, along with two fully accessible holiday homes in Cornwall. giving families the chance to enjoy a much-needed break and make lasting memories together.
