Children and young people who use Buckets & Spades Lodge are being offered a feast for the senses thanks to a new play and therapy facility. Officially opened yesterday, the state-of-the-art sensory room at Norwood’s overnight short break service in Finchley was made possible by a £30,000 grant from the Philip Green Memorial Trust.
The sensory room contains a range of specialist equipment designed to help calm children and young people with severe and multiple learning and physical disabilities. It allows them to channel their energy within a safe area and stimulates their senses of touch, sight and sound.
During a short ceremony, Norma Brier, Norwood’s Chief Executive, invited Simon Mann of the Philip Green Memorial Trust to cut the ribbon before giving guests a tour of the facilities.
Norma Brier said: “Parents have been telling us for a while that these facilities would be a welcome addition to the Lodge. We are delighted that, thanks to the incredible generosity of the Philip Green Memorial Trust, we are now able to offer such a beneficial and enjoyable experience through this new wonderfully equipped facility.”
Not only did the Trust, which has supported Norwood since 1990, provide funding for the sensory room, but also for soft play equipment in a redecorated play area.
“In this challenging economic climate, it is only through such outstanding support that we will be able to meet the increasing demand for new facilities and expand our life-changing opportunities for children and adults,” added Norma Brier.
