bibic have been the victims of a fire which has caused complete destruction to the sensory pool used to support the assessment of families on programme and shared by other local community groups.

The Devon and Somerset Fire Service were called to a report of a property fire at bibic at 7.51am on the morning of Tuesday 4 November. The crew arrived on the scene to tackle the blaze with two fire engines and a water carrier from Bridgwater and a fire engine and hydraulic platform from Taunton. The fire was involving the swimming pool area adjoining the main house, crews initially got to work to prevent the fire from entering the main building and set up a positive pressure fan to clear smoke from the building.

Speaking of the incident, Andy Newland, Group Commander for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said “We arrived at the scene to find the pool building completely destroyed, the roof had collapsed into the pool and there was slight fire damage to the main house. The investigation is currently ongoing, however, an arson detection dog has ruled out the possibility of a break in. We are saddened by the extent of the damage to the charity, which will affect bibic’s core business”

We are extremely grateful to everyone who has supported bibic at this very sad time, particularly to The Western Daily Press who have launched the Helping bibic bounce back campaign. If you would like to get involved please visit their site at www.thisisbristol.co.uk/wdp/bibic or contact fundraising on 01278 684060.

‘We need a million people to donate £1 so that we can continue changing lives of disabled children and their families next year’


We really do need your help, please donate today. Whatever your donation, we will be grateful.

Call 0911 813 1578 to pledge your donation now or visit by clicking here or send a cheque to bibic, Knowle Hall, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA7 8JG

Legendary Spandau Ballet frontman Tony Hadley is backing an appeal for help by a national children's charity.

bibic needs to raise £5 million to create a new short break and therapy centre. The charity provides therapy and support for children from all over the country with conditions such as autism, aspergers, cerebral palsy, learning difficulties and Down’s syndrome. Tony Hadley explains why he has been moved to help...

..."This place is amazing. It's a refuge for these families. So often they are only ever told what their child will never be able to do; but here, the therapists explore every avenue and help children to achieve things their parents never thought possible".

As well as saving its 19th century manor in the heart of rural Somerset, expansion is a must for bibic. Campaign Manager Paul Travers (a founding Director of the Eden Project) tells us why...

..."bibic already provides a lifeline for many people whose daily routines are more challenging and stressful than most of us can imagine, but we need to move our facilities into the 21st century. We also need to reduce waiting times and reach more of the families who need us. With £5 million we can help five times as many children and create a truly inspiring space for our families"...

Sandra, a Mum whose son Ross attends bibic for therapy, says...

"bibic has been a lifesaver for us - we couldn't have managed without them. bibic has changed each of our lives by showing us how to communicate with Ross. A short break centre where we could stay whilst Ross received therapy would make such a difference.

Tony Hadley has the last word...

..."bibic is doing something amazing. Please, if you can, do the same. Help make this happen"...

If you would like to donate to bibic you can do so by clicking here.

Click here to view the ITV television press release video.

Click here view our new film featuring Jo Brand and Tony Hadley





Tony Hadley with Ross

bibic is a national charity offering practical help to families caring for children with conditions such as autism, cerebral palsy, Down’s syndrome, developmental delay, traumatic and acquired brain injury and specific learning difficulties such as attention deficits hyperactivity disorder, dyslexia and dyspraxia.
Many of us take learning for granted. From birth we discover new skills and develop a fuller understanding of the world around us. For many children this process isn’t so easy. It can be difficult for them to make sense of the things that others take for granted. bibic exists to help these children reach their full potential and live a fulfilling and more rewarding life.

If you think that we could help you and your family click here for more information.