CHILDREN with special and sensory needs were given the chance to take part in a soft play event thanks to a new group working to transform the lives of youngsters.
County Durham parents who struggled to find support and activities for their children have teamed up to to create The Sensory Place.
The new group allows children to take part in pastimes such as horseback riding and play which will cater to their needs whilst providing a network of support for families.
Parents said youngsters who struggle with everyday life are often unable to participate in regular events due to their sensory processing issues.
They wanted to promote inclusive events and invited the children to a Halloween sensory session, at The Pink Gym, at Spennymoor Leisure Centre yesterday.
Group secretary, Dawn Honnor, who has four children with different sensory needs said there was a strong appetite for the group.
She said: “We realised there was no provision in this area for children as the events for children with special needs didn't bring families and children together. We wanted to create a group which would do this and allow siblings and the family to interact.
“As parents I think we all recognised how isolating it is to have children with sensory needs so it’s lovely to have an event like this which brings people together.
"The group wanted to create an accessible network for the children's siblings as well so they could form stronger bonds with each other."
About 20 children and their families attended the Spennymoor event which saw youngsters tackle the foam pit and play on trampolines.
Parents said the event was a success and hope to organise similar sensory sessions in the future.
The group has big plans and recently teamed up with Peterlee Town Council who have offered them their own room at The Pavilion to stage a low noise firework display where children can enjoy the fireworks in a calm environment.
Parents founded the group after meeting at a parent support group and hope it will become a registered charity in the future.
To find out more about the group or how to donate email thesensoryplace19@outlook.com or message The Sensory Place Open page on Facebook.
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