The Centre

“Through having well trained and dedicated staff and volunteers, Y Bont enables babies and pre school children with disabilities to lead rich, fulfilling lives.”

Why we started

The original idea for a resource centre such as Y BONT began in the early 1990’s when a small group of families who had children with disabilities identified the need for a place where they could meet and where their children could be looked after by qualified and experienced staff.  They felt that there was a gap in the support that they could access from the statutory agencies – particularly in the very early stage of their child’s life -  and so they registered as a charity in 1993 and set about fundraising.

The centre opened in September 1997 and continues to grow from strength to strength.

The original remit of the centre has extended beyond day-care facilities and now offers holiday play schemes, afterschool club and a saturday club for children with Autism. Y BONT celebrated its 10th Anniversary in 2007 and during the year provided support to over 100 families within the county borough of Bridgend.

Referral Criteria

  • Medical – Children who have been diagnosed with a disability, medical condition, life limiting condition, learning disability or developmental delay.
    Y BONT will also accept referrals from children who are undergoing investigation which may lead to a medical diagnosis.
  • Catchment: Bridgend County Borough, (also consider families on the border of Neath, Port Talbot, Vale of Glamorgan and Rhondda Cynon Taff if they are accessing services from within Bridgend).
  • Source of referral: initial referral can be made by anyone e.g. parent, professional, family friend. However, consent of the parents/carer must be given before the referral can proceed.

Referrals can be made by letter, telephone, fax or e-mail to the Children’s Outreach Worker based at our centre on Ewenny Road in Bridgend.

Facilities

  • Assessment Nursery – qualified and experienced nursery nurses work in partnership with other therapists and services to assess children who have a variety of differing needs.  While children attend the nursery, parents benefit from respite care, returning to work, pursuing hobbies or spending time with other family members.
  • Satellite centres – Y BONT operates an outreach centre which is run from Caerau Community Centre.
  • Family Support – On occasions families may need that little extra help to reduce the pressures.  Where possible our staff are available to help work alongside families at home or during hospital admissions.
  • After School Club – Our After school club runs from 3.30pm to 6pm at Y Bont, Ewenny Road in Bridgend town. Activities include free play, art and craft, music and games. For further information contact the centre.
  • Saturday Club – the Saturday Club is for children with Autism. Children are allocated specific dates by the Family Support Worker. For further information contact the centre.
  • Play Schemes – these are run throughout the Easter and Summer holidays.
  • Partnership Working – Y BONT is proud of the excellent links it has with other organisations within Bridgend who work with children with disabilities.  These include Social Services, Education, Health and the Children’s Partnership.