Article last updated 22 July 2025.
What is The Rainbow Centre?
Based in Fareham, Hampshire, The Rainbow Centre was established in 1990 by a small group of parents seeking to provide the best help and support they could for their children with cerebral palsy.
The Rainbow Centre offers conductive education, a system of learning based on the simple concept that everyone has the capability to learn and develop, irrespective of their starting point. This is the Rainbow Centre’s DNA and the secret of its neuro-rehabilitation success.
Who does The Rainbow Centre help?
Individuals with a disability are often assessed for what they can’t do, as opposed to their potential – for what they can do. Using conductive education, The Rainbow Centre takes a holistic approach to helping both children and adults with neurological conditions achieve their maximum potential, regardless of their starting point. It is this positive and inclusive attitude that is at the heart of making the Rainbow Centre a special place.
- Children with cerebral palsy, neurological disorders, acquired head injuries and developmental delay. Through a range of age-based groups, highly trained and specialised professionals provide tailored support to help children aged 0 to 16 develop mobility, motor, sensory, communication, emotional and self-help skills. By nurturing young people to explore movement, have fun and succeed, the team helps them to develop skills that are meaningful in everyday life.
- Adults with a neurological disorder linked to conditions such as cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s and strokes. The Rainbow Centre provides services to adults to help them increase their quality of life, by enabling them to take charge of their life. Conductors work with individuals and their carers and families to find new and different ways of overcoming the challenges they might face, including those related to mobility, speech and language, fatigue, and social and daily living activities. Sessions take place in small groups with programmes specifically designed for the individual’s condition.
The Rainbow Centre also helps carers and families ensure they can support the individual to the best of their ability.
What is The Rainbow Centre’s biggest challenge?
As with any charity, the most pressing challenge is funding. The Rainbow Centre receives no government funding and relies entirely on donations. Without donations, The Rainbow Centre could not support the many individuals and families who rely on its services.
If you would like to find out more about The Rainbow Centre, please visit www.rainbowcentre.org.
