Sunderland charity's fundraiser to create sensory Christmas grotto for children with special educational needs and disabilities
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The grotto will consist of a specialist sensory tepee where children can take part in festive craft activities to help them get used to their surroundings and a sensory grotto where they will be able to visit Santa in a “calm and relaxed environment”.
The initiative is led by local charity The Sensory Place which was established and run by parents who have children with SEND.
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Hide AdParent and charity trustee, Helen Helen Abernethy, said: “A traditional Christmas grotto is bright, crowded and noisy and this can be really overwhelming for some children who may be autistic or have sensory issues.
"There will be a crafts and activities tepee and it will be a small event with just two or three families at a time. We want to provide an event that disabled children and their families can access where they can relax, feel safe and ultimately have fun.
"No child or their siblings should miss-out on visiting Santa because of a disability.”
Each child will also receive a gift from Santa which will be matched to their needs.
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Hide AdThe grotto will have wheelchair access, disabled toilet facilities and staggered visiting times to prevent the grotto becoming overcrowded. The idea originated from parents at the charity as a result of their own experiences.
Helen added: “We all have children with disabilities and know the challenges this can bring. I know of parents who have children in wheelchairs who’ve not been able to visit grottoes because of a lack of suitable facilities.
"What we want to create is a grotto that can be accessed by any child no matter what their disability. We will also have a Santa Claus who can speak Makaton so he can communicate with those who are non-verbal.”
The charity also feel the grotto will provide a setting in which parents in similar situations “can meet and not feel so isolated”.
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Hide AdIt’s hoped the grotto, which will be erected in the Roker URC Chruch garden, will be up and running in the week leading up to Christmas. A target of £4,734 has been set and anyone who would like to donate can do so via the charity’s fundraising page.
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