New sensory room for Swings & Smiles
THE charity Swings & Smiles has unveiled a brand-new sensory room for its centre on Lower Way, writes Hinna Aamani.
The room includes new equipment, along with a ‘relaxing dark room’ for the children to unwind, something that parents have been requesting for many years.
The charity provides essential services and support for children with special needs and their families, including respite, sibling support and play sessions, as well as parent support.
Swings & Smiles chief executive Laura Lewis called the new room a unique and exciting space.
She said: “We’re thrilled to finally be able to share our new centre with families.
“It’s now a much more functional and accessible space and we hope there’s something on offer for everyone.”
The sensory room will accompany the charity’s activity room, therapy space and garden with play equipment.
A ceiling hoist has also been installed, along with a bigger and more accessible kitchen so all children can take part in cooking activities.
Funds for the facilities were raised through the charity’s involvement in activities like a 24-hour bikeathon and the Greenham Trust Double Matched Day in December 2020.
Ms Lewis said: “Having the Double Matched Day meant we were really able to boost the money raised towards the project, which was brilliant.”
The project was assisted by a number of other supporters, which meant Swings & Smiles was able to purchase even more sensory equipment.
As well as supporting young people, it delivers outreach sessions to groups, schools and individuals.
Last year, the charity supported more than 129 families and delivered 5,512 hours of support.
Swings & Smiles is running a full timetable over the summer holidays.
Families will need to register to book, which they can do by emailing office@ swingsandsmiles.co.uk
To view the summer timetable or to find out more, you can visit the website www. swingsandsmiles.co.uk