Former weaving loom room becomes new sensory facility

A successful Forfar charity is preparing to unveil the first publicly-accessible drop-in sensory facility for Dundee and Angus.

The Pitstop on Academy Street, owned by the Drugs Initiative Group, will help young people living with additional needs and their families.

A room, once home to a 200-year-old weaving loom, has been converted into a sensory facility by a small group of volunteers and is scheduled to open on Saturday December 9.

On Monday, a special evening for parents and contributors is being held, to allow them to see the hard work that has gone into developing the facility.

A project spokesperson said: “This has been funded by very generous donations from local businesses, members of the public and supported by the services of local trade workers, youths and volunteer organisations.

“The entire conversion has cost just under £2,000.

“It aims to provide a relaxing facility that will be available to the people of Dundee and Angus every Saturday, between 10am and 3pm.”

The sensory facility also boasts additional arts and crafts space and a reading area.

Refreshments will also be available for parents or carers to buy while their children make use of the new room.

“There will be an online booking facility to manage the sensory room,” the spokesperson added.

“A small donation is requested from users which will support the maintenance of the room and staffing.”

Further details of all the facilities at The Pitstop are available on Facebook or by emailing sensorypitstop@hotmail.com