1 minute read
power of senses
from Spoonews Summer 2023
by Wooden Spoon
Children of all ages can discover the power of their senses at the newly refurbished Renfrew YMCA building, where they can explore tastes, smells, images, and sounds.
Wooden Spoon Glasgow provided £30,000 to fund a sensory building at the Renfrew YMCA, as part of the wider refurbishment.
Youth development worker, Amanda, said: “The funding from Wooden Spoon has been incredibly important to us. It has given us the opportunity to create a multi-sensory space for young people with additional support needs and mental health issues.”
Food is provided at each session, which helps families facing food poverty. There is also space for children to focus on imaginative play, arts and crafts, or baking.
Paige, 13, said: “I love attending the YMCA as it is a safe place to hang out with my friends, I have a lot of fun meeting new young people and learning about their different stories of life.
Local mum, Anna, said: “I have three children who attend the YMCA, ten-monthold Freddie, Adam, nine, and Ava, ten. We go every week, and we love it. There is so much for the children to do – and while having fun, they are also learning.”
Climbing high
Pupils at Mill Water School in East Budleigh are reaping the benefits of new colourful and dynamic play areas, specially designed to meet their needs.
Mill Water educates children and young people, aged 3 to 19, with severe and complex learning difficulties. Despite the excellent classroom provision, its outdoor play spaces lacked the stimulation the school’s 120 pupils needed.
Wooden Spoon Devon donated £11,000 towards a new wooden tower and play zone within the Early Years playground.
Wooden Spoon’s Roger Haywood said: “We are delighted to support such a worthy school. Seeing the children enjoying the new play area is wonderful.”
Headteacher, Sarah Pickering, said: “The children absolutely love the new facilities. The difference has been incredible. Our pupils have a very broad spectrum of abilities and needs. This major project has ensured that we cater for everyone.
“It has also greatly enhanced the provision of the clubs that we run during the school holidays. We are extremely grateful for the phenomenal support the school has received.”
