The Hudson Foundation, together with the HSBC Malta Foundation, has supported the expansion of Inspire Foundation’s therapeutic playground at its Learning in Context (LinC) Day School Programme in Bulebel, helping to enhance the therapeutic environment for children with high and complex support needs.
Hudson Group Founder & Chairman Alfie Borg and HSBC Malta CEO Geoffrey Fichte recently visited Inspire’s LinC Day School Programme to view the newly extended therapeutic playground, made possible through the continued support of the Hudson Foundation and the HSBC Malta Foundation.
Following the success of the first phase of the therapeutic playground launched last year, the Hudson Foundation and the HSBC Malta Foundation once again joined forces to double the size of the facility in response to the growing demand for its use. The visit marked an important milestone in this ongoing collaboration between the three organisations, following a combined investment of over €50,000 to fund the expansion earlier this year. The extension has already begun to transform the daily experience of children attending the Learning in Context (LinC) programme, which supports 45 learners with high and complex support needs, including autism, learning disabilities, communication difficulties, and sensory processing challenges.
A Playground Designed for Therapy, Regulation, and Wellbeing
The expanded playground now includes additional sensory-regulatory equipment such as trampolines, a roundabout, swing seats, and specialised proprioceptive and vestibular tools. These features are not recreational extras – they are essential therapeutic instruments that help children regulate their bodies, reduce anxiety, improve focus, and prepare for learning.
Educators and therapists at Inspire report that the extended space is supporting:
- improved emotional and sensory regulation;
- greater readiness to learn following outdoor sessions;
- enhanced communication and social interaction; and
- increased opportunities for movement-based therapy in a safer, more inclusive environment.
With the extension now complete, the playground is able to support more children simultaneously, allowing practitioners and support workers to deliver more structured, well-rounded sessions throughout the school day.
A Shared Commitment to Inclusion and Child Wellbeing
During the visit, the leaders of Hudson Group and HSBC Malta had the opportunity to observe how the new equipment is being used in daily therapeutic routines and how it is contributing to the children’s overall development.
Alfie Borg, Founder & Chairman of Hudson Group, reflected on the Foundation’s focus on meaningful community impact:
“The transformation here is remarkable. This extension is an investment in the wellbeing and future of these children. We are proud to support Inspire Foundation in creating environments where every child can experience joy, regulation, and growth through play.”
Antonello Gauci, CEO of Inspire Foundation, emphasised the impact of the investment:
“This playground has enabled us to create a therapeutic space where our learners can regulate, connect, and thrive. The extension has allowed us to address their sensory needs more effectively, every single day, while ensuring they thoroughly enjoy the experience. We are deeply grateful to the HSBC Malta Foundation and the Hudson Foundation for recognising the importance of sensory and therapeutic play in the lives of children with complex needs.”
Geoffrey Fichte, CEO of HSBC Malta, highlighted the Foundation’s long-standing commitment to inclusion:
“Seeing the children benefit from this space first-hand reinforces why this project matters. The playground is giving learners the tools they need to feel calm, confident, and ready to engage. Supporting Inspire Foundation aligns with our mission to promote education, wellbeing, and equal opportunities for all children.
A Growing Programme with Growing Needs
Since its launch in 2019, the LinC programme has tripled in size, growing from 15 learners to 45, reflecting the increasing demand for specialised educational and therapeutic support in Malta. The newly extended playground will help Inspire continue providing high-quality, holistic interventions that integrate learning with sensory and motor development.
The collaboration between Inspire Foundation, the Hudson Foundation, and the HSBC Malta Foundation continues to demonstrate how strategic investment in therapeutic environments can significantly improve the daily lives and long-term outcomes of children with diverse needs.
