A CHILDREN’S charity has finally moved into its brand new home in Thornbury.

JIGSAW, which offer support to around 100 families across South Gloucestershire with disabled children, were given a two-year use of the Armstrong Hall’s bakery annex in Thornbury, which would include an open play area and office space.

“The Family Base” as it is now known, was opened on Wednesday by Thornbury mayor Cllr Helen Harrison, along with families, volunteers and supporters, who came together to see the results of months of hard work.

The charity was generously granted use of the building by Thornbury Town Council, with renovations carried out by developer Bloor Homes, who brought in tradesmen and volunteers from the area to donate their skills and time.

A cheque for £1,415, raised by Bloor staff in Swindon, was also presented on the day.

The charity’s founder Tor Goodman said: “It is fantastic to see this project come together. We are thrilled with the end result!”

“It feels like it has been a real community project, from the Town Council granting us the use of the space, Bloor coordinating and working so hard on the project and the donation of time and resources from other organisations, volunteers and families it has been magnificent!”

Rachel Peart, one of the charity’s volunteers and mum to Noah, who has autism, said it was a really special day for both of them to see the Family Base open.

“It was so lovely to see him excited about something that would usually cause anxiety and stress,” she said. “The JIGSAW base has become an extension to our home, so much so that Noah told me at bedtime after the opening that it had been the best day ever!”

Cllr Harrison said: “JIGSAW that is reaching into the lives of many local residents in very positive ways through its support of children with additional needs, and their families.

“It's a real blessing to have them in the town, and I am delighted that Thornbury Town Council have been able to support them through provision of this new base to allow them to expand their services even more, and in so doing reach out to a wider audience in new ways.”

Rowena Adams, regional sales director at Bloor Homes South West added: “We are so pleased to be able to support JIGSAW Thornbury. When we heard the appeal for local businesses to help with the renovation of the building, we were more than ready to step in and offer whatever was needed.

“We are always keen to support the communities in which we build and the opportunity to work with our contractors on this project was seized by everyone involved.

"Continued commitment from all the volunteers has seen a complete transformation and the Base now includes an office, play area and relaxation spaces."