About the Devizes and District Opportunity Centre

Devizes and District Opportunity Centre is a small local, independent voluntary organisation managed by a Board of Trustees made up of parents and interested members of the community.

It was established in September 1978 by a small group of parents of children with special needs who got together to provide a pre-school playgroup which would cater for their children’s particular health and learning needs and also provide opportunities for themselves to meet together for mutual support and to get help and information from health professionals.

The group registered as an independent charity and opened in the old Devizes Sports Club Hut with 6 member children.

Humble beginnings but six years later we moved into a purpose built building in Belle Vue Road. Since then in response to the varying needs of our member families, changing influences in society, fluctuating political trends and Government legislation, we have continually adapted and improved.  We are now a highly respected, effective, professional organisation designated as one of Wiltshire’s four District Specialist Centres.

​However our ethos and overarching purpose remains exactly as it was at the outset; to provide the very best possible, therapeutic, early intervention and learning support for our member children together with vital support for their parents.

The Opportunity Centre Today

We now have more than 34 years experience of working with children who have moderate to severe health and learning difficulties.  We have longstanding, effective working partnerships with relevant statutory and voluntary sector providers which facilitate high standards of liaison and ensures maximum benefit to our user children and families.

​Working closely together we offer a comprehensive assessment of need and devise an ongoing developmental program of specialist early intervention, specific teaching strategies, stimulating play activities and fun in order to maximise their learning experiences and help each child reach their potential.