The Galleria, Hatfield, is delighted to announce that charity tenant Potential Kids has opened a new unit at The Galleria, The Zone.

On Saturday 4th October, at 12pm, the new unit was officially opened by the Mayor of Welwyn Hatfield, Councillor Lynn Chesterman OBE, with other dignitaries and members of the Potential Kids team in attendance, including charity founder Angela Gaughan.

‘The Zone’ has been created as a safe and inclusive space where neurodivergent children and young people (including those with autism, ADHD, Tourette’s, dyslexia and dyspraxia), together with others who have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and their families, can learn, connect and thrive.

It’s the start of a new chapter for Potential Kids and an extension of their existing offer at The Galleria; they already have a unit that provides learning facilities including a sensory room, tech area and interactive activities zone to support young peoples’ learning journey. Plus, they retain their community garden, a vibrant external space filled with veggie plots, wildflowers, and a sensory garden that supports mental well-being, social connections, and learning about nature and sustainability. The Zone will add another layer to their offering, providing wellbeing sessions and workshops, coaching, mentoring and early years support.

Potential Kids has made a huge impact on the local community since it began. Angela set up the charity out of a struggle to find an inclusive space in which her own son who is autistic could access activities and groups outside of the traditional therapeutic offering. The charity has made such an impact that they have been recognised for their contribution within the community and were awarded the Kings Award for Voluntary Service 2023, an amazing achievement for such a new charity.