Open sessions for autistic children at Pitstop sensory room

The team at the Pitstop youth service in Forfar is introducing new opening hours at its sensory room in response to requests from parents.

The former weaving room on the ground floor was transformed into a space ideal for families with autistic children.

Initially, it operated on Saturdays only but it will now be available on Monday evenings for a trial period.

A spokesman said: “Over the past few months staff at the Pitstop have worked with parents, children and their families to create a sensory room and a drop-in provision, using a community development approach.

“The original idea of a Saturday drop-in turned out not to work for families.

“Having listened to parents, a trial Monday night drop-in will be piloted from Monday April 9.”

The new Monday night sessions will run from 4-8pm and no booking is required.

The Pitstop’s purpose is to help local families come together and share experiences in a friendly, welcoming environment. The centre on Academy Street still has evening drop-ins for young people, but there are now separate groups using the downstairs provision during the day.

The sensory provision is used by the Tots Group every Tuesday from 9.30-11.30am, the Sunshine Group every second Wednesday from 9-11.30am and the Home School group every second Wednesday from 11.45am2pm.

There are also plans for all the groups using the facilities to get involved in the creation of a sensory garden.

This will be done over the next six months with children and their families and will be funded by the Community Innovation Fund.

The local community got behind the Pitstop’s effort to create the sensory room, with local businesses donating time and money to decorate the ground floor space and provide equipment.

Further information can be found on the Pitstop Forfar Sensory Stop’s Facebook page.