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We are a not-for-profit community organisation based in Chessington, Surrey.

We run play projects for children and young people with significant learning or complex disabilities and their families.

Our aim is to ease and enhance our children’s lives through play, consistent care and a home from home fun environment.

We look forward to welcoming you all to our Yorda Family.

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About us….


We have been established since 2006 and now have a permanent home; the Yorda Playhouse is where we have been based since 2016. We feel very lucky to have this unique space to be able to create a safe environment where all our children can be themselves.

We run a variety of play, care and family projects that support our young people and their families. All of our activities are tailored for the children we care for. We work to enable them to get the best out of their day, have lots of fun and support them through any challenges they may face.

The Yorda Playteam are committed to meeting every child’s needs and supporting families through their journey. All of us believe in the power of play. It helps our children to express themselves, communicate, build relationships and have lots of fun with us!

Our doors are always open so please get in contact with us if you would like to have a chat and find out more.

Click on the video below to find out more about who we are and scroll down to read more about Yorda’s roots.

Click on this video to find out more about who we are and what we do
Our everyday inspiration

The Starfish Story is really important to our Founder and CEO, Laura Smyth.

“Every day we have the honour and privilege of doing our very best to make a difference to the incredible children and families who come through our Playhouse doors. At the very beginning of our Yorda journey, a kind lady told me this story when I was explaining my dreams for the future to have a safe place for all of our children to come and play. We have used this to steer our decisions so that we don’t lose sight of each and every child whilst we have grown over the last 15 years. I’m so grateful to all who have supported us, encouraged, advised and fundraised to help us make that initial ambition a reality. I’m especially proud of my brilliant team, past and present, who share in my commitment to play enthusiastically, care with compassion and bring joy to our Yorda family every day.”

‘Yorda’ is how Reuben, one of the children who inspired the community company to begin, says ‘Laura’. ‘Adventures’ symbolises the unique, fun experiences we want to give to all the children and young people.

Yorda Adventures could not have achieved all it has without the amazing dedication of the people that make up the Yorda team and who have supported Laura over the years. Starting as a tiny social enterprise back in 2006, fast forward to now and the Yorda team continues to grow and offer a variety of projects to support children and young people with significant learning disabilities and their families, making a difference everyday.

Drop By
Yorda Playhouse
Devon Way
Chessington
KT9 2RJ