Kaleidoscope
What is Kaleidoscope?
Kaleidoscope - Lewisham Centre for Children and Young People is the first centre of its kind in the UK. It is a significant development towards supporting families and their children, and brings together specialist community services for health, disability, mental health, education and social care - all working closely with the Voluntary Sector.
It is a place where paediatricians, therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, health visitors, social workers, nurses and educators can work together to provide the individual support each young person should have.
In response to families’ views, the architects designed the Centre in the shape of a ‘C’, providing plenty of light and clear views through the building and in to the garden. Long, featureless corridors and dark spaces have been avoided.
What did the money pay for?
The project came to £13.2 million, construction of the building costing £8.45 million. Most of the funding was met by the statutory agencies. But there was simply not sufficient money available to cover the whole cost, with all of the facilities which the children and young people in Lewisham deserve. Children First Lewisham was proud to contribute and to ensure child- and family-centred aspects were strengthened. We raised over £270,000! This not only has helped fund the rooms and facilities listed below, but means that we can continue to support families who use Kaleidoscope’s services, and the staff who work there.
What is it for?
Facilities with children and families in mind:
- Waiting areas suitable for different ages including interactive and soft play
- Feeding and changing room for all ages
- Cafe
- Outside play facilities and a garden
- Parent Resource Centre
Extended treatment facilities
This development will change people’s lives and turn dreams into reality
The Centre is the first of its kind and is an innovative concept which will lead the way to providing fully integrated services. The success of this project will provide the blueprint for others to be established.
Building Progress
Building works commenced in the Summer of 2005 with completion and occupation scheduled for Autumn 2006. Please visit the photos page for pictures of the latest building progress.