We were delighted to mark the official opening of our new and improved sensory room at Challengers’ Guildford Playcentre in April, joined by Surrey County Councillor Fiona Davidson who supported the renovation through Your Fund Surrey.
Fiona visited our Guildford centre on Tuesday 8th April to see the new sensory room in action during our Easter holiday delivery, along with colleagues Nadira and Shaista from Your Fund Surrey – the council’s recent initiative to fund local community projects.
The sensory room features new equipment including coloured bubble tubes, infinity tunnels, activity panels, sequin boards, colour-changing lights, and light up musical boards, as well as bean bags and calming sensory cocoons for seating. It offers a relaxing and multi-sensory environment which will appeal to children and young people with a wide range of sensory needs.
The room was revamped by Challengers staff and supporters who volunteered their time to refurbish the space with a fresh lick of paint, new flooring and upholstery.
Challengers’ Head of Service, Paul Wilson, said:
“It’s been wonderful to have the support of Fiona and Your Fund Surrey in making our dreams of renovating the sensory room a reality. Every child has different needs and preferences when it comes to play, but for many of the young people who use our services, sensory spaces and toys aren’t just for fun – they help with emotional regulation if they are experiencing sensory overload, and support them in feeling more comfortable in their environment. That’s why this space is so important.”
Fiona is a Councillor for Guildford South East. As Chair of Children, Families, Lifelong Learning and Culture Select Committee, she is committed to improving services and facilities for children and families in the county. She said:
“Through Surrey County Council’s Your Fund Surrey, I am delighted to be able to contribute to the fantastic facilities, and the work that the wonderful staff at Challengers do to give children with additional needs and disabilities the opportunity to play, have fun and develop. The sensory room is such a calming reflective space, and I know it will be a valuable new resource for all Challengers’ children.”
Local families will also get the opportunity to enjoy the new sensory room along with other facilities, including the centre’s recently installed inclusive playground, on Family Fun Days. These are part of Challengers’ Hub offering, which provides free, holistic support for families of disabled children and the local community. Your Fund Surrey contributed not only to our sensory room, but also generously supported the inclusive playground appeal with £99K, helping make these vital resources a reality.
