Liverpool’s Lumiere Charity Creates Inclusive Space For SEND Children And Young Adults
Lumiere Charity supports children and young adults with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), creating a community where every child can thrive without judgment.
Founded in February 2024, Lumiere was born from one family’s personal journey — a journey filled with love, resilience, and a desire to create lasting change for children and young adults across Liverpool, the North West, and beyond.
At the heart of Lumiere’s story is Jaxon, the son of co-founder Melissa Clarke. Inspired by Jaxon’s experiences growing up with Kabuki Syndrome — a rare genetic condition — Melissa, alongside her sister Linda Clarke, created Lumiere to build something truly special: a place where every child, regardless of ability, is celebrated and supported. The charity’s name, Lumiere — meaning “light” — perfectly captures its spirit of hope, inclusion, and the belief that every child deserves the chance to shine.
But Lumiere is more than just a charity — it’s a community without judgment. A place where children with SEND can express themselves safely, and where parents and carers can find connection, support, and understanding.
In April 2025, Lumiere proudly opened its an inclusive play centre in Liverpool. This groundbreaking facility is designed to remove barriers — not just physically, but socially and emotionally — offering a safe, vibrant environment where children of all abilities can play, learn, and grow together. The centre features accessible play equipment, sensory rooms, and quiet spaces to cater to a wide range of needs.
Recent studies underline just how vital spaces like Lumiere are. Over 800,000 children in England have a recognised SEND diagnosis, yet many families report a lack of accessible, suitable leisure spaces. According to a 2022 survey by the Contact charity, 9 in 10 parents of disabled children experience social isolation, with more than half saying they have nowhere appropriate to take their child to play.
Lumiere was created to change that reality. At Lumiere, inclusion isn’t an afterthought; it’s the foundation on which everything is built.
In a world that often fails to accommodate difference, Lumiere stands proudly as a place where every child and family can feel seen, supported, and empowered — a true light in the community.
To find out more about Lumiere and to visit Lumiere Centre visit lumierecharity.org.
Donate to Lumiere’s fundraiser via crowdfunder.co.uk/p/lumiere-charity.
