The pods provide a quiet and private place for counselling, art therapy, play therapy and other one-to-one support. For some children, having somewhere calm where they can talk, play or simply feel safe makes a real difference.

But there was still one important thing missing: making sure everyone could get into the pods safely and independently.

Making the pods easier to access

Over three days in July, a team of contractors, supply chain partners and volunteers came together at The Spinney to install new access ramps and handrails leading to the counselling pods. They also repaired the decking, worked on the surrounding paths and carried out general maintenance around the outside areas.

In total, 28 volunteers gave 234 hours to the project, with materials, equipment and contractor support also donated. The total estimated value of the work was £12,272.98.

For families using wheelchairs or other mobility equipment, the new ramps mean getting to counselling is now safer and easier. And for one family, it means something particularly important, it means independence.

“For our family, wheelchair access into the counselling pods gives our daughter the freedom to access her counselling independently and safely, helping her to build confidence and ultimately support the goals of her play therapy. The ability to enter and use these spaces without assistance means more than you may realise to us, so thank you.”

From an empty pod to a space children can feel comfortable in

The ramp project is the latest part of a wider effort to make our counselling spaces work for the children who use them. The counselling pod itself was made possible thanks to McCain Foods, who donated £26,000 to fund the build after seeing the growing demand for therapeutic support. In 2025 alone, our Counselling Team delivered more than 3,000 sessions.

IKEA CDC Peterborough then donated and installed the furniture and decor across both rooms, creating a warm and calming environment designed around the sensory and emotional needs of the children we support.

Now, thanks to the ramp and access improvements delivered through a wider project involving GRAHAM, CivilWise, Tripod Crest Group, Heidelberg Materials and the Asset Community East network, families can reach those spaces more safely and with greater independence.

The work was led by GRAHAM as part of its commitment to supporting the communities where it works. As Lynsey Harris, Social Impact Business Partner at GRAHAM, put it: “At GRAHAM, we are committed to leaving a positive legacy in the communities where we work.”

That support has also been part of a longer relationship with GRAHAM and National Highways, who have supported Little Miracles through the Asset Community East network and other community projects.

It all comes back to the families

Our counselling team works with children and young people who may be dealing with bereavement, trauma or mental health difficulties, as well as siblings and parents or carers. The new pod gives therapists the privacy and space they need to support children at their own pace.

Art Therapist Anna Croft has seen first-hand how important the environment can be: “Having a calm, welcoming space helps children feel safe enough to express themselves, reflect, and begin to heal.”

Now, the journey into that space is easier too!

We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has helped make this happen. From funding the pod and creating the rooms inside, to installing the ramps and improving the space outside, it has taken lots of different people and organisations working together to create this healing space for our children, young people and families.

And there have been other smaller touches of support along the way too. BSH Recycling, for example, has supported Little Miracles through its community skip project, including creating a Little Miracles-themed skip as part of its Skip Art with Community Heart initiative.

For the families who use Little Miracles, these things might look like separate projects. But together, they help create somewhere that is easier to reach, easier to use and, most importantly, somewhere children can feel comfortable being themselves.

Thank you to everyone who gave their time, skills, materials and support. We’re so grateful. 💜