Southwater charity for young people with special needs

The Sensory Tree aims to provide a ‘safe, fun, understanding and non-judgmental environment’ for young people with special needs, who may be unable to access other community facilities.

The charity is running a number of family fun days in order to raise awareness.

They also hope to raise funds for a permanent soft play centre and farm for children with special needs in the village.

The launch of the charity will be marked by a family fun day at Southwater Junior Academy’s school hall on May 31.

There will be lots going on at the free event for all the family, to help raise awareness of The Sensory Tree and to raise funds.

Local children’s party business Busydays will be supporting the charity by offering face painting, a bouncy castle and sensory soft play equipment.

There will be a variety of stalls, community displays, plus food and even a Pimms tent.

There will also be a cake competition, featuring a number of categories for both children and adults.

With the popularity of baking on the rise, this fundraising event offers the perfect opportunity to display traditional and new creative skills while raising funds for children with special needs.

It will be judged by Sharon Walker, who runs her own cake making in Southwater, Cakes by Sharon Walker.

The afternoon play session is for children aged between three and 11, with special educational needs. Their siblings are also welcome.

New local business Sensory Solutions at Home will also be launching at the event, offering dark dens and a wide range of sensory equipment and toys, available to hire for use at home or in educational settings.

Tailor made packages can be provided to meet specific needs such as sensory integration difficulties.

There will also be information and support from local organisations such as Southwater Children and Family Centre.