A children’s charity has been left devastated after burglars targeted its new Frensham facility just days before it was due to welcome children through its doors.

Change of Scene, which supports children and young people with special educational needs and mental health challenges through outdoor learning, discovered the damage last week.

Charity chief executive Pam Robinson arrived on the morning of September 2 to find smashed windows, while piping and cables had been stolen.

“We’re devastated,” said Pam. “We’ve spent more than a year fundraising and planning the move to the new location and within days of moving into the facility and then welcoming our children to our new home, this happens.”

The charity expects the cost of repairing the damage and installing additional security measures to exceed £2,000.

The break-in comes at a particularly difficult time for the charity. Last year, Change of Scene faced closure after being forced to leave its former home in Farnham. It subsequently launched a campaign to secure a new location.

The new Frensham site was secured through Wishanger Wellness, a charity supporting the mental health and wellbeing of the local community. Change of Scene has since raised £630,000 towards the new facility and its move, but is still seeking donations to help equip the site with essentials including furniture and kitchenware.

For 17 years, Change of Scene has supported young people across Hampshire and Surrey, many of whom have diagnoses including ASD and ADHD. Through caring for animals, gardening, carpentry, cookery and crafts, the charity provides a safe environment where young people can learn, grow and develop.

Despite the setback, the charity is determined to move forward and give local children a new place to thrive.

Surrey Police is investigating and appealing for information. Anyone who may be able to help is asked to come forward, quoting CAD 0161 02 SEP 26.