A Nottingham-based charity that provides life-changing support for children with mobility and communication difficulties is celebrating a significant £5,000 donation that will fund a crucial new sensory garden.
Transformative Support for East Midlands Families
Footprints Conductive Education Centre, which relocated to the former Highbank Community Centre in Clifton in June 2025, has received the generous contribution from the Irwin Mitchell Charities Foundation (IMCF). The charity specialises in Conductive Education and other transformative services designed to empower children living with disabilities including cerebral palsy and Down Syndrome, helping them achieve their full potential.
Expanding Community Impact
The donation comes at a pivotal moment for Footprints, which is currently undertaking a major renovation project at its new premises. While the charity already supports more than 75 families across the East Midlands, the improved space and facilities will eventually enable support for up to 300 families, dramatically increasing its capacity to help babies and children develop essential life skills.
Josie Park, Head of Income and Fundraising at Footprints, expressed profound gratitude for the donation, stating: "We're extremely grateful to IMCF for this generous donation, which will enable us to welcome families to our new sensory garden and enjoy its benefits sooner than planned."
She emphasised the therapeutic value of such spaces, explaining: "Multi-sensory gardens create a safe, fun environment where children can develop their personalities among people who understand their specific needs, supporting both their emotional and physical wellbeing."
Law Firm's Commitment to Community
The £5,000 donation was made possible through the collective efforts of colleagues at national law firm Irwin Mitchell, who contribute to the IMCF via the Give As You Earn salary sacrifice programme, with their monthly donations matched by the firm. This represents the latest in a series of charitable initiatives by the foundation, which was established in 1997 by Irwin Mitchell employees and has now raised over £3 million for worthwhile causes both in the UK and internationally.
Tania Harrison, Partner at Irwin Mitchell's Nottingham office, highlighted the significance of supporting local charities: "Supporting charities like Footprints in the communities around our new Nottingham office is a meaningful way for IMCF to create long-term social impact where it matters most."
Volunteer Efforts and Future Vision
Irwin Mitchell colleagues based in Nottingham have already demonstrated their commitment to Footprints through various volunteer activities, including painting and site preparation days that have contributed significantly to the centre's transformation. The establishment of Irwin Mitchell's new Nottingham office has created a natural partnership opportunity, with funding the sensory garden representing a logical next step in their collaborative relationship.
The sensory garden will complement Footprints' existing services while creating a valuable community resource accessible to the wider public. The renovation project also includes plans for outdoor sensory play areas and a newly launched community coffee bar, further enhancing the centre's role as a community hub.
Harrison concluded: "Our colleagues are committed to supporting our clients and the wider communities in which we live and work, and we're proud that IMCF can lend its support as we build on this work as part of our wider drive to become a leading responsible business."
