Mission statement and values
The mission of Ruby’s is to provide life changing support by means of specialist facilities and opportunities for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and their families, who live in Cheshire East.
Our aims

To provide an inclusive sensory centre with specialist facilities including a sensory room, sensory garden, soft play area and community cafe that is accessible to all and for the benefit of children and families of Cheshire East.

To provide outreach SEND support across Cheshire East by means of a mobile sensory bus and in partner settings, for children and families who are unable to access the centre facilities due to social, emotional and health difficulties.

To support the whole family unit by providing bespoke person-centred early help interventions with the aim of reducing family crisis and helping families thrive using methods including telephone appointments, emails, online or face to face meetings.

To provide a safe, stimulating environment giving individuals and groups the chance to explore and develop in inclusive settings with the aim of friendship, fun and a sense of belonging through respite opportunities, peer support and siblings group.

To provide wellbeing opportunities for children and their families to access therapies including parent carer counselling, relaxation and wellbeing treatments & sessions, educational sessions by means of workshops and training courses.
Our values
We are Kind
Being Kind means that we treat others and ourselves with dignity and care
So, at Ruby’s we…
- value relationships and value trust highly so we build healthy connections with each other
- act, speak and listen carefully with kindness and respect so we create and maintain a safe Ruby’s culture
- are self-aware and kind to ourselves so we take care of our own wellbeing
We are Accountable
Being Accountable means that we understand our roles and responsibilities and take them seriously
So, at Ruby’s we…
- take responsibility for our words and behaviour and the impact they may have on others
- if responsibilities cannot be met seek help and guidance in good time so alternatives can be agreed
- make mistakes sometimes! But we try to accept them and learn from them so we take responsibly for our own growth and development
- behave and speak with integrity so we are trustworthy
We are Inclusive
Being inclusive means that we are welcoming and fair
So, at Ruby’s we…
- celebrate that we are all unique with different experiences, backgrounds, and opinions so we make everyone feel accepted and heard
- treat each other with dignity and respect so we all feel safe
We are Creative
Being creative means that we want to inspire and be inspired
So, at Ruby’s we…
- aim to adapt, evolve and be flexible so we find creative solutions
- encourage and support each other to explore new ideas so we continue to grow and develop
- try new things and have fun so we remain curious and hopeful

Our impact
About Ruby
Driven by this vision of what was needed, I set up Ruby’s Fund in 2008 and, following a huge community fundraising campaign, we became a registered charity in 2009. In 2014 the vision became reality when we opened the doors to our fully inclusive sensory play centre and community café in Congleton. Since then, Ruby’s Fund has grown; providing a wealth of services and support both at our centre and across Cheshire East with our outreach programme and mobile sensory bus.
Alison, Ruby’s mum

Our supporters
We’re so lucky to have so many supporters and funders.
Summer at Ruby’s 2025
As the summer draws to a close, we’re reflecting on the difference Ruby’s has made across Cheshire East over the past few months. From paddling pools to Pride, sensory buses to sibling support, our team has been busy delivering joy, connection, and practical help to families and communities. Even while our centre was temporarily closed for preparatory works ahead of our exciting lift installation, our commitment to supporting families never paused. 💦 Splash-Tastic Fun In partnership with Congleton Town Council, we hosted five paddling pool sessions, totalling 15 hours of splashy fun in both sunshine and rain! These events weren’t…
Meet the Super Troopers: Ruby’s Fundraising Heroes
On Monday evening, our incredible volunteer fundraising committee, affectionately known as the Super Troopers, gathered at the Lion and Swan Hotel in Congleton. This passionate group of volunteers is on a mission: to raise vital funds for Ruby’s Fund so we can continue supporting families with children with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities). This year is extra special for us as our inspiration, Ruby turned 18! To mark this milestone, the Super Troopers are ambitiously planning 18 fundraising events between now and next July. Their energy, creativity, and commitment are nothing short of inspiring. 🎉 Next Up: Rubyfest! The…
I’m on a treadmill – by Claire
At our summer lunch Alison invited Claire, one of our parents to share her experiences about Ruby’s. Here is what she wrote. It’s an insightful piece of writing and we are Ruby’s are privileged to be part of Claire and Luna’s journey. “I have written a short reflection of my own experience of being a send parent and the memories and effect of being supported by the wonderful people at Rubys Fund. I hope you enjoy”. I’m on a treadmill. I can’t get off. I’m not even sure it’s even me on there anymore. It’s still dark outside and there’s…