About Us

WHAT WE DO​

At Our Heart

From inclusive play sessions & peer support, to promoting accessibility & inclusion within the community – we’re here for you.

Donate Now

“The support both my child and I have received from the volunteers at Dunbar ASN has been incredible. Caring for a child with a disability is challenging at the best of times, so it’s great to have someone who understands and doesn’t judge.”

Julie W.

Parent

OUR story

Supporting Families Locally

Dunbar ASN Community Collective began in November 2021, when two parents, new to the town, navigating shielding and searching for connection, met for a coffee one morning and decided to build the community their families needed. What started as two people trying to make a difference quickly grew into a warm, welcoming network of families, volunteers, and supporters.

Over the years, the Collective has evolved into a registered charity, shaped by lived experience and the voices of local families. As the needs of our community have grown, so has the work, from informal meet‑ups to monthly family sessions, teen and tween groups, community events, and practical support for parents and carers.

Like many small charities, our team has changed along the way. Although the founding pair is no longer working side‑by‑side, the heart of the Collective remains the same. Today, the charity continues under the leadership of one of its original founders, supported by dedicated volunteers, trustees, and partners who share the same commitment to inclusion, equity, and community connection.

What hasn’t changed is our purpose: creating safe, low-demand, supportive spaces built on connection, where children and young people with additional and complex needs and the families who care for them can feel understood, supported, and part of something bigger.

Our story is still unfolding, shaped by the families who walk through our doors and the community that continues to grow around us.

Our Values:

Equity

Inclusion

Community

Empowerment

FAQ’s

Have Any Questions?

We are based in Dunbar, serving Dunbar and the surrounding villages. We’re dedicated to our local area and giving back to the community we all love.

Additional Needs are described as help a child, or young person needs over short or more extended periods of time. Children require extra support for lots of reasons, including disability, environment, family circumstances or social and emotional factors. You can read more here.

Complex Needs describe a combination of multiple factors such as health, sensory, disability or cognitive needs that significantly impact daily life and are likely long-term. There is no universally accepted definition, but you can read more here.

No, not at all. We know how fraught the road to diagnosis can be, and we’re here to support you if you need us. If you suspect your child might need additional support, please join us.

Nursery, Primary, Tween & Teens, Parents, carers, grandparents… the whole family is welcome!

Families and carers can join us, but anyone can also get involved and support our work. If you are a business or a professional, get in touch, as we would love to hear from you too. We aim to bring everyone together to create small changes in our community and help everyone feel welcomed and valued.

Our Dream

A safe space in Dunbar for Children, Young People & their Families.

More info coming soon…
straight to your inbox

Join our email list!

To stay updated on all events, fundraising and campaigns, as well as news & advice, sign up for our email list below: