So far this summer, we have had a lot of fun at a whole host of different activity groups!
Every session run by our wonderful practitioners guarantees opportunities for play. Although our service users see these sessions as a chance to get involved in fun activities, what they may not realise is that our practitioners have built in opportunities for them to practice sensory regulation strategies into everything we do.
Regulating our senses looks different for everyone, whether they are neurodiverse or not. We all have different requirements and varying factors that may impact our sensory needs. For many neurodivergent children, their senses can become easily overwhelmed which can manifest in flight, fight or freeze responses, often making it difficult for them to engage in day to day activities.
We spoke to Rebekah Moorhouse, one of our lead practitioners, who shared two types of regulation strategies: alerting and calming. These cover a variety of different energy levels and cater to lots of different sensory requirements.
Examples of Alerting Strategies
These strategies come in handy when a person is feeling withdrawn or sleepy. Some of these examples might help to stimulate the senses and work as an energy boost:
Fidget tools (spiky or resistive textures)
High energy movements like bouncing, jumping and dancing!
Bright or natural lighting!
Engaging in preferred interests/special interests
Examples of Calming Strategies
When a person is feeling too overstimulated, they may need some grounding techniques to relax. A few examples are:
Quiet spaces / sensory tents or dens
Sensory bins (soft rice, sand, water play)
Journaling or drawing feelings
Slow, rhythmic rocking or swinging
At SensationALL, our sensory rooms provide the ultimate space for peacefulness, with the use of colourful projectors, ambient music and comfortable surroundings. These safe spaces can also be recreated at home with any items that bring you comfort and help you relax, like fuzzy blankets and cushions.
There you have it! It can be trial and error to find what works for your child, but the summer months provide a great opportunity to experiment with different techniques. If you find something that works, why not make it a regular part of your routine!
Follow us on our social media pages for more top tips and information about upcoming events!
As a third sector organisation, SensationALL was foundedto make a real difference to hundreds of families and individuals across the northeast living with neurodivergent conditions or additional needs who need practical support and access to social opportunities that are suited to their sensory and behavioural needs. However, this year more than ever we are struggling to keep up with the mounting costs of continuing services in light of the challenging funding climate.
Amidst the cost-of-living crisis, we are facing both a rise in operational costs and a fall in funding. This is at a time when lengthy waits for NHS assessments are resulting in increasing numbers of families being referred to us for pre-diagnostic support, adding to the strain on our services.
In the last year, we delivered over 600 sessions which provided more than 520 different people with specially designed social groups and activities to suit their sensory and behavioural needs. However, demand is increasing faster than funding, and we urgently need to generate more income to expand the existing timetable.
Currently, we have over 1400 registered individuals with more people contacting us every week as SensationALL’s Chief Executive, Katie McNutt, explains:
“People seeking assessment for conditions like Autism and ADHD are facing lengthy waiting times to be seen by professionals and charities like us are filling the gap by offering practical support.
Over a third of families approaching us are being referred to us by professionals in the NHS, social work or education sectors, but there is no statutory funding available to us to cover the cost us intervening when they cannot.”
Our charity has been filling a gap in statutory services in the northeast for the last 13 years, stepping in to offer support when statutory organisations are unable to intervene due to no formal diagnosis being in place.
But even people with a diagnosis find there is a severe lack of social activities and support groups for neurodivergent people where they can make friends, build confidence and importantly, be themselves without judgement in places where their additional needs are accommodated.
Furthermore, parents and carers are in desperate need of practical advice so they can feel better equipped to support their loved-one to overcome challenges their conditions present in everyday life (from sleep to restricted diets to sensory processing issues and accessing education).
Over 42,000 children in Scotland are waiting for a neurodevelopmental assessment, and in some regions this figure has increased by over 500% since 2020. (Statistics as of March 2025)
Increased awareness of neurodivergence in adults has also led to a surge in demand for adult assessments, and over 23,000 adults are waiting for a neurodevelopmental assessment in Scotland which has increased by over 2200% since 2020.
The average longest waiting time to receive an assessment is 182 weeks (three and a half years).
Increased demand for support has led to increased pressure on the third sector, which provides a range of pre and post diagnostic support for neurodivergent people in Scotland.
These statistics prompted a response from The Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland and the Child Heads of Psychology Services, who have created a proposal of a “new four-level neurodiversity pathway structure” which calls for a national approach to be taken to commissioning specialist third sector organisations providing support and services at all stages of the diagnostic journey”.
Specific examples of the support given by in the response include “establishing and maintaining peer support networks, and employability training” which mirrors much of what we are already doing without consistent funding.
Katie explains how the charity would welcome this approach which would bring more much-needed sustainable funding:
“This year we are finding it harder than ever to secure grants from private organisations and as we have no consistent local authority funding, we are unable to grow the services to meet demand from new people approaching us. Sadly, this is a reality that many charities are facing.
This year we must raise at least £520,000 to cover the operational costs of running at current levels but to tackle the urgent demand for more services will require a significant increase income.”
A key part of our growth strategy is the ambitious and exciting redevelopment of The Old Schoolhouse, our headquarters in Westhill. We are eagerly awaiting the decision of a planning application to Aberdeenshire Council for the building extension, which will double the current footprint but will cost around £1 million in construction costs which we will have to fundraise for over the next couple of years.
The upgraded facility is desperately needed and will greatly enhance local services available to hundreds of families across the northeast – we are eager to engage with stakeholders who can support the project.
The Old Schoolhouse
If you are interested in supporting SensationALL, please donate to our cause below, or if you have any other queries get in touch at info@sensationall.org.uk.
We are delighted to launch a new volunteer role aimed at professionals who want to give back to charity by donating their skills or professional insight.
Lisa Grainger, SensationALL’s fundraising and marketing manager, says: “Volunteers are an invaluable extension to our staff team and the ambassador role is a new flexible role that can be tailored to suit your interests and availability. There are no set hours and many ways to get involved, whether that’s promoting our events, connecting us with local businesses and schools or simply being a public face of the charity.
The role of an ambassadorcan take many forms; from attending events on behalf of the charity to talk about our services to reaching out to organisations for fundraising support or donations. It’s important to remember that the role can be bespoke to you as an individual too; allowing you to further awareness of the charity in a way that you are comfortable. This is really valuable to the charity as it allows us to reach out to new people, create fundraising opportunities and help create positive awareness among local communities.
The benefits of volunteering
Ambassadorsalso benefit personally, Lisa adds: “Our volunteers tell us they get a huge amount of enjoyment from their roles as they expand their understanding of neurodivergence, meet new people, add value to their CVs and most importantly, have fun!
Plus, the huge amount of satisfaction in seeing our small, local charity grow and thrive – volunteers can be proud that they’re making a positive difference. Any amount of time people can give is greatly appreciated and will help us achieve our charitable goals of supporting more people across the northeast.”
Ambassadors in action
Claire Muir, owner of Little Black Dog Media and parent of a SensationALL attendee, is one of the charity’s first ambassadors. She describes why she wanted to get involved:
“As someone who’s seen first-hand how SensationALL supports families, I wanted to give back. But with work and young children, I couldn’t commit to anything regular.
Lisa suggested I help on an ad-hoc basis with copywriting. There’s no pressure, but I’ve already helped a few times and it feels fantastic to support the charity in a way that works for me.”
Get in touch
Could you be our next ambassador? To find out more about becoming a SensationALL ambassador contact volunteering@sensationall.org.uk
Like most charities, SensationALL relies on the donations and financial contributions of funders and supporters in order to achieve our charitable purpose of improving the lives of people with neurodivergent conditions and complex support needs.
The highlight in our fundraising calendar is the annual ball and this year, we have added a sensory theme to not only enhance the guest experience but give guests an insight into how it feels when you are affected by sensory processing issues.
Around 10% of the UK population is estimated to have sensory processing issues. These people can be severely challenged by everyday things that the majority of people take for granted including social interactions, noisy environments, the feel of clothes or the texture of food.
As so many of the children and adults using SensationALL’s services struggle with sensory processing issues, we want to give our guests an insight into what this means by weaving a sensory theme into every possible part of the night. This will be a charity event with a difference as we challenge people’s expectations in a fun (and enjoyable!) way, for example…
The food may be presented in an unusual manner; there could be surprising changes in the room’s lighting; entertainment might start when you least expect it and so on!
All of the evening’s features are designed to encourage guests to think about how difficult life can be when your brain struggles to interpret sights, sounds and textures.
Our host for the evening, Sam Stephen will guide you through the different elements. Watch this clip for a sneak peek at our plans.
The Sensory Ball takes place on Friday 14th March at the Chester Hotel in Aberdeen.
Limited places are still available – £100 per person or £1000 per table of 10
Thanks to our key sponsors The JEllie Foundation, DeepOcean and Oilenco, the event will include an arrival drinks’ reception followed by a decadent yet surprising three-course meal.
The evening’s entertainment has been designed to surprise and delight featuring world-renowned act, The London Essentials with their immersive musical experience, plus dancing until late to local band Starsky.
There will also be an auction and games to raise vital funds for SensationALL’s work across northeast Scotland supporting individuals of ALL ages. Donations of auction items are much appreciated!
One thing we know how to do at SensationALL is how to make our sessions fun!
Our creative team use a wide range of games to get youngsters moving their bodies and trying different sensory experiences. Play allows practitioners to implement clinical practices that are vital to improve self-regulation so youngsters are building skills without even realising it!
We asked practitioners, Michael and Rebekah to tell us how they have been using the classic game ‘Marco Polo’ in their sessions recently…
Why we play Marco Polo
Many neurodivergent people have difficulty with impulse control meaning they often respond to urges, thoughts or situations in extreme ways. We work with individuals to improve their self-awareness so they can feel in control whenever they are triggered by sensory stimulus or busy environments.
As Rebekah explains, “we play Marco Polo as it is perfect to strengthen the nervous system while building youngster’s tolerance of stressful situations“. The game’s format of start/stop actions supports inhibitory control (our ability to think before reacting) giving youngsters chance to practice managing their impulses.
There is a ‘rush’ element at the start of the game when the players must race to find a hiding spot, so they need to move quickly and make a decision. Once in their hiding place, they must stop, stay still and be quiet, forcing them to fight the urge to move and make noise.
How to play Marco Polo
1. Choose a ‘catcher’ and blindfold them
2. Other players choose a hiding place
3. The ‘Catcher’ will call out ‘Marco’ and the players respond ‘Polo’ – the ‘Catcher’ follows the sound until they find each player.
During play, the game’s rules encourage them to focus their attention, behaviour, thoughts, and emotions by pausing and then using their reasoning to shout ‘polo’ at the right time.
The game allows players to experience how the fight, flight and freeze responses feel in their body through positive, fun activities.
As the catcher gets closer to those hiding, they will experience heightened emotions before returning the nervous system to a state of calm. Going through this sequence of feelings repeatedly demonstrates that they are safe in their body and helps them learn to manage and respond appropriately and safely.
By introducing these experiences via a fun game, we reduce negative reactivity which may be dangerous or harmful. Over time youngsters will build their tolerance (slowly!) to stress.
Plus, all games allow children to practice turn taking and social interaction – so there are lots of benefits!
There are lots of games that can be played at home with the same effect:
Hide & Seek
Stuck in the Mud
Floor is Lava
Simon Says
Freeze Tag
Musical Statues
Why not choose a game for you and your family to do at home – you could make it a regular feature in the week.
Follow us for more tips and suggestions! Join the newsletter mailing list here
Most people look forward to the festive period but if you are neurodivergent then it can exacerbate issues you already find tricky… changes in routine, activities and expectations.
Some of our ‘neuro-spicy’ staff and families have collaborated to pull together this list of tips and suggestions to help you tackle the Christmas and New Year period. We’ve even included some handy templates and resources!
Own your own Christmas!
It’s ok to do your version of whatever you want, or need, to do!
Be by yourself, have no decorations, eat your usual favourite foods, stay in jammies, play with old familiar toys, watch the same old TV programmes, open presents (do they need wrapped?) when you feel like it… whatever helps you and your family to cope with these different festive experiences.
Reducing demands can help avoid overwhelm and meltdowns, so everyone can self-regulate.
Social demands can be high at this time of year, so try to be aware of your own social battery and be selective about what you commit too; even if this means missing a gathering or leaving early. Space out social events to make sure you and your family have time to recover and decompress.
Sensory Solutions
Reducing sensory overload can be tricky at this time of year. Here are some ways to cope:
Create a safe/quiet space with sensory supports and familiar comfy clothes/blankets or ear defenders if needed.
Consider your environment. How can you reduce food smells, lighting or noise? Does changing the environment help; take time out in a quiet, safe space, go outside/for a drive.
Use familiar sensory tools and resources. If you are going out remember to take your favourite sensory items with you. Being in busy or unfamiliar social settings could result in an increase in stimming behaviour and greater reliance on sensory tools.
Communicate. Explain to people if you or your loved one is feeling overwhelmed. Why not encourage the whole family to use our energy battery to share how they are feeling – you can even turn it into a game! If the adults/non-neurodivergent people model some regulating activities (massage, deep breathing, bear hugs, active calming etc.) then it becomes the norm. Brief the whole family on what the triggers or signs of dysregulation are for you and tell them what your sensory solutions and strategies are.
Plan sensory breaks or active moments try to avoid sensory overwhelm by proactively taking time out to regulate and recharge.
Plan, Prepare & Prioritise
Preparing for all the changes to routine and expectations is so important! If you introduce visual supports such as calendar countdowns, social stories, schedules in advance then you/your neurodivergent loved-one will feel more in control. Having a set routine of activities can help many, others might prefer having a choice of what activities they do or what order they do them in. Use visual choice boards so they can choose and during activities, timers can be great to define the start and end.
There can be a lot of anxiety and/or excitement associated with Christmas, especially Christmas eve when sleeping may be even more difficult. Prioritise some relaxation exercises and wind-down time before bedtime to try ease the transition to sleep (remember, relaxation for some can be both low and high energy!).
Trying to juggle everyone’s needs and expectations at this time of year can be very stressful. It is almost impossible to achieve this. It can be particularly tricky having some children or adults in the household who can and want a more traditional Christmas, balancing that with those who find it more difficult and require their own version. Remember to use your usual strategies and techniques – if that means using separate rooms, each doing different activities at different times, using screen time, fidgets/sensory supports, limiting time at the table, eating under the table, particularly at unfamiliar environments or in a group situation, that is ok.
Maybe having a code word, gesture or symbol card to demonstrate a need for support between family members could work. Remember your own needs – take the time and space to calm your chaos: step outside into the cold air, take some deep breaths, listen to your favourite music!
Use our resources!
Christmas expectations template
Fill this template in and share with others to help them understand your needs.
We know it can be hard to initiate conversations with family or friends about why you and your loved-ones do things differently at Christmas so hopefully this will make it a little easier.
By explaining your requirements you can set expectations which will help them understand and accommodate your needs so everyone has a good time!
Some may think that is an overly generalised statement but, the reality is that modern life is fast paced, highly stimulating and demanding, which is incredibly difficult for everyone but especially for those with additional support needs. Life today comes with a never-ending list of societal expectations, pass your exams, go to University, build a fulfilling career, have successful relationships, become a parent, contribute to your community (we could go on!😉). If you have a neurodivergent condition such as Autism or ADHD, then living up to these expectations can be an up-hill struggle.
The numerous unwritten rules of how to engage in social settings are a minefield for neurodivergent people and they can find building friendships or personal interactions particularly challenging!
For example, a neurodivergent person may struggle to interpret conversational cues so doesn’t understand or see the point of ‘small talk’. Or someone who finds reading body language tricky so is oblivious to another person trying to instigate a conversation and comes across as rude or abrupt when they give one-word answers (or walk away while the other person is mid-sentence!).
And nowadays these situations occur during online interactions too! The expectation that everyone will have a social media presence to document their every move and thought is an additional pressure. Communicating via the internet might be less intimidating than face-to-face interactions for many neurodivergent people but, they are still expected to do this within the ever-changing parameters of digital etiquette which can be difficult to monitor.
All of this leaves many neurodivergent people isolated and excluded because society is not flexible enough to accommodate anyone who processes information and situations differently. They are forced to work extra hard to process the world around them, often ‘masking’ their neurodiversity, by hiding their stimming behaviour or forcing themselves to maintain eye contact or sit still just to fit in. But that requires a massive amount of energy and many people reach ‘burnout’ as they become mentally, psychologically and emotionally exhausted.
What is the solution?
Well in an ideal world, society would change but sadly, it’s not that straight forward. Awareness of neurodiversity is increasing but, practical steps to accommodate neurodivergent people are slow at being implemented throughout society.
More social spaces!
There needs to be a greater understanding and acceptance of neurodivergent people who should be celebrated and included rather than being expected to adjust their behaviour to conform to restrictive societal expectations. There is a shortage of social activities where neurodivergent people can meet others and socialise without sensory overload and where neuro-inclusivity is the norm, not the expectation!
At SensationALL, our mission is to provide safe places for ALL ages to access play and social groups where everyone can be themselves and feel they belong with support from our specialist practitioners.
Our range of social groups, known as ‘SociALLise’, are designed around the preferences and needs of the attendees so they can have fun doing things they enjoy. There are SociALLise groups for primary school ages, teenagers and young adults and we now regularly hold five different sessions each week in Aberdeen and Westhill.
Most importantly, SociALLise is a community! Once you have a place, it is yours for life. Over the years, many youngsters have transitioned from the primary school aged groups right up to the young adult groups and along the way have made life-long friends.
“I love attending SensationALL! I can be myself. I don’t worry about what other people think of me there.”
a SociALLise attendee
Practical Support
We believe in empowering individuals by sharing our SensationALL tips and techniques which they can use in everyday life to feel more resilient in overwhelming situations. Sessions are a safe space to share experiences and open up about worries allowing them to understand more about themselves and build self-value and feel accepted. This support allows them to take ownership of their neurodivergent identity as they realise they are not alone.
Our team of practitioners have a wealth of experience in supporting individuals with complex needs and as some identify as neurodivergent themselves they can use first-hand experiences to relate to our attendees.
Supporting SociALLise sessions
Demand is growing exponentially for places in our SociALLise sessions and we have 90 youngsters waiting for places right now! New families are approaching us every week but we need to increase our income before we can create more of these invaluable groups.
Our aim is to have more SociALLise sessions taking place in locations across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire so if you want to help SensationALL support more young neurodivergent people please get in touch! You could fundraisefor us or get involved with one of our upcoming events, click below for details.
For anyone interested in using our services or attending a SociALLise session, the first step is to register with us.
Do you have what it takes to conquer a Firewalk? We are looking for people to sign up and take on this challenge and raise much-needed funds to support our service delivery.
We need people with the inner courage to walk barefoot across glowing embers in an exhilarating and motivational night of fundraising! Working in conjunction with Firewalk Scotland, this event is set to turn up the heat on our fundraising!
Coping with demand for services
Charity CEO, Katie McNutt, is excited about the event and acknowledges it is coming at a time when funding is especially crucial to the charity:
“Now more than ever we need people to take on fundraising challenges for us as the demand for our services is higher than ever. The money generated from the Firewalk will go directly towards the cost of running vital groups and support services for families in the northeast.”
We currently have the names of over 90 youngsters on our waiting lists for places in groups and there are families approaching us every week looking for help. Our social groups and sensory play sessions provide fun, social opportunities for those with complex needs or neurodivergent conditions such as Autism, who struggle to make friends and interact in mainstream settings. Meanwhile, our advisory consultations and support groups for parents and carers make a massive difference as they feel better able to care for their loved-one. However, we are working at capacity and urgently need to raise more money so we can meet the demand from new families!
Can you take the heat?
But why would you want to walk on fire?! Other than fundraising for a good cause, Firewalk Scotland say that:
“The lesson of the firewalk is not about the fire, but about what it takes to get through it – which can be applied to any aspect of a person’s life. This is about finding your inner courage and confidence, being able to look fear in the eye and overcome it.”
Have you got what it takes?!
Register now
So don’t hesitate – sign up now!
Entry is £20 and you’ll be asked to fundraise £100 for SensationALL. In return, we’ll help you with setting up a donation page and you’ll get your own SensationALL t-shirt. Plus, on the night itself, you’ll get expert training during a motivational workshop which will ramp you up to put ‘mind over matter’!
SensationALL’s Firewalk is on Saturday 23rd November from 6.30pm at The Old Schoolhouse, Westhill. Spectators are welcome and we’ll have refreshments and games.
For those of us with school aged youngsters, the summer holidays can present a daunting period of several weeks when we’re out of normal routine which is particularly hard to navigate for individuals with neurodivergent conditions.
Many families living with neurodivergent or complex conditions can’t access or enjoy the same holidays or events as those with neurotypical youngsters and we understand that finding opportunities to suited to your families needs is difficult.
We are here to support you with our 8 top practical tips and some useful resources to make your summer a little bit easier…
1. Set a routine
Give structure to unstructured time! Youngsters are used to the daily timetable that comes with school, from leaving the house on time to set mealtimes and designated playtime and for most neurodivergent children, routine = comfort and safety.
To ease the transition to holidays, it can be vital to keep some level of routine so your young person will understand what is expected of them at different points of the day/week.
Create structure by using a visual timetable or chatting through the day’s plans in advance, a visual family calendar is a great way to plan out the week or even the month. At SensationALL, we regularly use ‘now and next’ boards to clearly communicate with youngsters e.g. “now we are playing in the garden, next we will go to the shop“.
It’s important to build in their choices (even if it’s from your shortlist), to promote a sense of involvement and control for them. Just remember, your routine should reflect what works well for you and your family.
Here are some templates you can print to create your routine…
July calendar template
August calendar template
Activity Visuals
Now/Next planner template
2. Set realistic expectations
Expectations of what the day/holiday will be like often sets us up for failure. Remember, the perfect day is different for everyone!
It’s so hard not to compare yourself to others and aim for what society expects you to do during the summer holidays. The small talk at the school gates can evoke anxiety and even disappointment about your plans… “you going away this year?”, “planning to take the kids to [insert name of popular event/play facility]?” Aaargh!!
The best way to overcome those feelings is by being realistic about your family’s boundaries and adapting your plans to suit. Expect multiple changes throughout the holidays (to diet, sleep, behaviour) as emotions will fluctuate with daily changes in activities and routines. Be flexible – if something isn’t going to plan, change the plan!
Our adult expectations of the “perfect” family day are often unrealistic – be kind to yourself by avoiding unnecessary expectations. Why force yourself to go abroad or be in busy environments if the stress is going to be too much. Your youngster will have a better time if the experience is relaxed and fun – they don’t remember the small details that we do. And, don’t feel bad if your plans aren’t as elaborate or busy as other families – your version of an ideal day is enough!!!
3. Individualise the plan
Make your plans together as a family, so everyone can suggest an activity they’d like to do during the holidays – picnics, trips to the local park, having a movie afternoon – whatever they like doing! This will give them a sense of control while empowering their sense of self as their interests and preferences bring comfort and stability.
Every child is unique and will present differently with individual needs. You are the expert when it comes to your child, so don’t compare with others do what’s right for you your child and your family. Keep using any strategies that work in term-time.
Make sure to include time for relaxing or downtime as it can be tempting to have fill the days with activities and adventures but often this is overwhelming for both them and us. Maybe alternate activity days with low key days at home. The odd PJ day is a great idea!
Use our Energy Ladders templates to manage everyone’s emotions throughout the holidays. Why not create a personalised one for each member of the family so everyone can use it to communicate and highlight what they need.
4. Prepare!
Do some role-play if you are going on holiday or having days out as it can be overwhelming for our individuals if they don’t know what an event/place may be like, or what will happen when they get there.
Many venues have video walk-through’s/photos or generic scenarios can be found online to watch beforehand. Making a checklist of expectations (to mark off as they happen) can be a good way of manage expectations. Role-playing the event helps to prepare them, e.g. pretending you’re in the airport, going through customs, pretend to scan the suitcase etc.
Remember to COMMUNICATE! One of the biggest causes of anxiety is the unknown. Chat through the day’s plan, talk about feelings about an event, use visuals to communicate (could be photos on your phone, symbols or hand drawn pictures, checklists, schedules, coping strategy cards etc.). Communicate as a family, chatting through concerns, needs and expectations as a group “what shall we do if“… to help each family member feel prepared.
6. Ask for help
Many places, events, and businesses will have accommodations for those with additional needs or neurodivergent conditions but sometimes they aren’t obvious and too often we feel embarrassed or afraid to ask.
Lots of venues provide free carer places or sensory kits/visual guides and there may be quieter routes/areas you can access. Wearing a sunflower lanyard can be helpful to alert staff to your family’s possible support needs, and can even reduce waiting times or the need to queue.
7. Take care of you
Constantly thinking of our child’s needs can be exhausting! Often we are surviving on little sleep, or virtually no respite from our caring roles. It’s vital that you take care of you too!
Say ‘no’ to things that will overstretch you. Ask for support from others (a partner, relative or friend) who can watch the children while you have a shopping trip, walk or drive by yourself – whatever you need to stay sane!
Find your Tribe! Never forget… you are part of a wider parenting ‘tribe’ of families going through similar things who are also desperate for company.
“Taking care of myself does not mean me first, it means… me too”
Reach out to a friend, message a social media group chat, or email us at SensationALL. It’s highly likely someone else will be up for that trip to the park or be available for a coffee and chat. Support from others on outings can make or break the trip.
Even though SensationALL’s sessions fill up quickly, our network of families are always available via the Facebook forum!
8. Keep it sensory
Sensory activities and toys are great for keeping youngsters regulated. Never leave home without a sensory bag of tricks containing their favourite fidgets or comforters.
Build a mix of high and low energy activities into your schedule so to manage periods when they are feeling over or under stimulated. Active calming exercises like obstacle courses, skipping, running or bouncing are perfect for those with excess energy. While it’s a great idea to keep a selection of calming activities in reserve for whenever you need them to stay indoors or bring their energy down.
Here are some of our SensationALL sensory activities that can easily be done at home. There’s things to make, bake and feel great with high energy activities like the scavenger hunt (perfect to keep youngsters focused on a task while you’re out and about) or the lower energy word search which is great for those who find cognitive exercises relaxing…
It may seem like a long time away but keep focused on the return to school as, it will present yet ANOTHER change for youngsters who have probably just got used to the holiday routine.
A few weeks before school restarts, why not deliberately drive or walk past the school or go to the school playground. Use the calendar to have a countdown so it’s clear how many days there are before school starts.
Why not make the back-to-school shopping a fun activity they can be part of? Going into shops might not be possible but get them to choose their new school bag or lunchbox online so they feel involved.
For older children, use what you know about their new schedule, classes, peers to prepare them for the transition to a new class or school. Stay positive by highlighting the things they like about school and emphasise opportunities that a new year presents i.e. better school lunches, more variety of classes etc. The week before school it can be really helpful to get back into the early morning routines (for us as well as them!).
No matter what you do this summer, we hope you have a SensationALL time! Remember, to celebrate the days/times when things go well!
We are excited to share our plans to extend and redevelop our main centre, The Old Schoolhouse in Westhill to create a state-of-the-art facility for our families, staff and volunteers.
Long term home for the charity
Following completion of our Community Asset Transfer for the building from Aberdeenshire Council in 2019, which secured a 175 year lease, we have been committed to sensitively maintaining and developing the building to sustain its place as a valuable community facility.
The Old Schoolhouse is one of Westhill’s oldest buildings, thought to date back as far as 1832 when it was built as the town’s school with an attached house being added later to provide accommodation for the school master. In more recent years it was home to a play group until it become largely unused until we made it our home in 2016.
Charity founders, Suz Strachan and Susan Kay, saw the potential of The Old Schoolhouse and we have already made massive improvements with the installation of the soft play and sensory rooms as well as new kitchens, flooring and even the adjacent inclusive play park was added in 2021.
However, being a historic building, the existing floorplan does not suit modern purposes and there are several issues we need to overcome to make the centre fit for purpose:
Lack of a clear entrance point – the main door is not clearly visible from the car park and entry is via a kitchen with a tight turn which is difficult for wheelchair users to navigate.
Better access – the large activity rooms offer great space but, layout is an issues as 2 are only accessible via the main (‘Green’) room creating accessibility issues when it is in use.
Shortage of practical amenities – we need to upgrade and increase the number of toilets and add better changing facilities for wheelchair users.
Addressing the challenges
SensationALL is experiencing massive demand from families across the northeast and we are acutely aware we need to duplicate existing sessions and services to accommodate more people.
As we share the building with our sister organisation, Schools Out Club (providing breakfast and after school clubs for local primary school children) we need to take their needs into consideration too. Similar to us, Schools Out Club are working with full waiting lists and they can’t increase the number of children onsite until there is more space!
After much thought into what would solve our layout, amenities and accessibility issues, the staff team worked alongside architects to create plans to extend the building.
These plans create additional activity spaces which will allow us to hold multiple sessions at one time while adding sensory elements and a Changing Places toilet that will be open to the public.
The reworked layout means SensationALL and Schools Out Club will both be able to operate from the building at the same time as the building can be clearly divided.
This animation is an artist’s impression of what the exterior of the building could look like with the extensions in place. We plan to reuse as much of the granite from the outhouses (which need to be demolished to make way for the front extension) to retain the character of the building.
Proposed ground floor plan
Tell us what you think!
We hope to submit a planning application to Aberdeenshire Council later in the year but this is your chance to influence the design before that process. Please take a look at the below drawings and artists impressions then use the link to the feedback survey (closes end of 20th May) to give us your thoughts…
