Meet our team!

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Get to know the team at SensationALL!

Fran Duncan, Occupational Therapist

What’s your role at SensationALL and what does it involve?
Presently, I am helping with the Tea & Tips service we offer to parents and carers. I speak with them about questions and concerns they have about their children, many times supporting them with information about self regulation, but also addressing other specific concerns they may have.

What do you like most about SensationALL / what does SensationALL mean to you?
SensationALL has always impressed me as a charity that helps people who may not be able to get support from our other community or health services, and can do things for them in a more timely manner. I feel it is an important charity for that reason, and also for the way it fosters supportive friendships/relationships among the users and their parents and carers.

How long have you been at SensationALL?
Being a close friend of Suz Strachan, I have know about the charity as it was developing and at its earliest stages. I have been involved with it since I moved back to Scotland from the States at the end of 2016, almost ten years now.

What’s your favourite sensory activity?
Any type of shoulder massage always hits the spot!

A fun fact about yourself!
I enjoy playing my violin both in a traditional Scottish group, and a Folk orchestra. 

Jo Nicholas, Family Support Practitioner

What’s your role at SensationALL and what does it involve?
I am the Family Support Practitioner, which basically means I get the privilege of walking alongside parents and carers as they support their children. Living with neurodivergence can feel incredibly isolating, and a big part of my role is helping to lift some of that isolation and remind families that they don’t have to do any of this on their own.

If you’ve spent any time with me, you’ve probably heard some of my go‑to mottos more than once: “It’s not hard because you’re failing — it’s hard because it is hard,” and “You are not alone.” I tell them a lot because I have I had to learn those same lessons as the parent of a neurodivergent child.

I also lead the preschool group here at SensationALL, which I absolutely love. Working with the little ones — and their parents — as they take their first steps into understanding neurodivergence.

What do you like most about SensationALL?
My favourite part of working with our parents/carers is something I call ‘watching the light bulb moment’, when they realise for the first time that there are other parents out there walking a similar journey to them, and when they learn more about their child’s behaviour and the how and why of how to support them.

I also have experienced the impact of SensationALL as a parent, as my son is a service user and loves attending sessions and being with others who he can see are ‘like me’.

How long have you been at SensationALL?
I have worked at SensationALL for 4 ½ years but accessed services as a family for about 2 years before working here.

What’s your favourite sensory activity?
It has to be the power of bubbles! I have watched an individual’s emotions change in a moment just from the introduction of a bottle of soap and water. Those bubbles have healing qualities.

A fun fact about yourself!
I have an expert knowledge of Dinosaurs! I have an amazing Neurodivergent son whom I call my walking, talking, encyclopaedia. My son takes every possible moment to educate me on the world of palaeontology!


Caitlin Tawse, Senior Practitioner

What’s your role at SensationALL and what does it involve?
As part of my role at SensationALL as a senior practitioner, I run our ChillOOT sessions focusing on self-regulation and managing emotions, as well as leading our social groups for teens and primary age kids, with some involvement in adult services as well! I am also the organisations mental health ambassador, helping to promote positive mental health in all that we do.

What do you like most about SensationALL?
SensationALL is a place that I feel safe and supported, and I love being able to create that environment for our service users. It’s a place you can truly be yourself with no fear of judgement, and my confidence has truly flourished in the time I’ve been here.

How long have you been at SensationALL?
I started at SensationALL in September 2021.

What’s your favourite sensory activity?
I love making slime, though I’m still working on finding a perfect recipe! 

A fun fact about yourself!
I studied Psychology and Business at university, and I started at SensationALL during my final year, I’ve been here ever since, apart from taking a year out from 2023-2024 to work at Walt Disney World in Florida! 

Marie Massie, Practitioner

What’s your role at SensationALL and what does it involve?
My role at SensationALL is as a service practitioner, therefore I plan and lead some SociALLise services, which aim to meet the needs and provide a positive experience for neurodivergent young people and adults.

What do you like most about SensationALL / what does SensationALL mean to you?
I enjoy developing positive relationships with our service users and families as well as supporting them to the best of my ability. I value this aspect of SensationALL.

How long have you been at SensationALL?
I have been at SensationALL for over 4 years now!

What’s your favourite sensory activity?
I enjoy sensory play, preferably with water or orbee’s and I like to encourage relaxation with sensory lights. 

A fun fact about yourself!
I like go karting and wanted to be a race driver for a long time! 

Chloe Legge, Service Team Leadner

What’s your role at SensationALL and what does it involve?
My role as Service Team Lead bridges service demand, design, and delivery with operations and HR. I collaborate with the operations team, session coordinators, and Clinical Team Lead to schedule and deliver services, recruit and allocate staff, lead our team of practitioners and youth workers, manage appraisals and training needs, as well as have fun in some sessions too!

What do you like most about SensationALL?
The shared passion within the team for supporting neurodivergent individuals, their families, carers, and the wider community. The genuine, authentic care shown by the team drives our work and ensures that a needs-led, person-centred approach remains at the heart of everything we do. I feel proud to work for a charity that retains such a strong sense of purpose and fosters an environment built on inclusion, understanding, and lived experience.

How long have you been at SensationALL?
I have been at SensationALL for over 3 years now, starting in a Youth Worker position in 2022, and becoming Service Team Lead in 2023. 

What’s your favourite sensory activity?
My favourite sensory activities are movement-based. I especially enjoy using the balance boards and vibration plates, as well as active games in the soft play room, particularly hide and seek or grounders. I also love making slime!

A fun fact about yourself!
I love being outdoors, and when I’m not playing hide and seek or making slime at SensationALL, you’ll usually find me in the mountains or tucked away in a remote coffee shop in some distant corner of Scotland. 

Rebekah Moorhouse, Clinical Team Lead

What’s your role at SensationALL and what does it involve?
I’m the Clinical Team Lead. My role involves our training delivery and offerings and supporting with the clinical guidance for our team, ensuring high-quality, child-centred practice, and working closely with families to make sure each child’s sensory needs are truly understood and supported. I also help shape how we grow and develop as a service while keeping care, connection, and curiosity at the heart of everything we do.

What do you like most about SensationALL / what does SensationALL mean to you?
What I love most about SensationALL is the deep respect for every child and adult as an individual. SensationALL means safety, understanding, and possibility to me. It’s a place where differences are welcomed, nervous systems are honoured, and children are supported to thrive in ways that feel right for them.

How long have you been at SensationALL?
I’ve been part of SensationALL for 8 years.

What’s your favourite sensory activity?
My favourite sensory activity is anything involving deep pressure or heavy work. It’s grounding, regulating, and such a powerful way to help children feel safe and settled in their bodies.

A fun fact about yourself!
I love creating calm, cosy spaces and I’m always thinking about how environments can feel more regulating, nurturing, and welcoming. I’m also obsessed with Neuroscience which helps us understand neurodivergent nervous systems! 

Meet our team!

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Get to know the team at SensationALL!

Chloe Legge, Service Team Lead

What’s your role at SensationALL and what does it involve?
My role as Service Team Lead bridges service demand, design, and delivery with operations and HR. I collaborate with the operations team, session coordinators, and Clinical Team Lead to schedule and deliver services, recruit and allocate staff, lead our team of practitioners and youth workers, manage appraisals and training needs, as well as have fun in some sessions too!

What do you like most about SensationALL?
The shared passion within the team for supporting neurodivergent individuals, their families, carers, and the wider community. The genuine, authentic care shown by the team drives our work and ensures that a needs-led, person-centred approach remains at the heart of everything we do. I feel proud to work for a charity that retains such a strong sense of purpose and fosters an environment built on inclusion, understanding, and lived experience.

How long have you been at SensationALL?
I have been at SensationALL for over 3 years now, starting in a Youth Worker position in 2022, and becoming Service Team Lead in 2023. 

What’s your favourite sensory activity?
My favourite sensory activities are movement-based. I especially enjoy using the balance boards and vibration plates, as well as active games in the soft play room, particularly hide and seek or grounders. I also love making slime!

A fun fact about yourself!
I love being outdoors, and when I’m not playing hide and seek or making slime at SensationALL, you’ll usually find me in the mountains or tucked away in a remote coffee shop in some distant corner of Scotland. 

Rebekah Moorhouse, Clinical Team Lead

What’s your role at SensationALL and what does it involve?
I’m the Clinical Team Lead. My role involves our training delivery and offerings and supporting with the clinical guidance for our team, ensuring high-quality, child-centred practice, and working closely with families to make sure each child’s sensory needs are truly understood and supported. I also help shape how we grow and develop as a service while keeping care, connection, and curiosity at the heart of everything we do.

What do you like most about SensationALL / what does SensationALL mean to you?
What I love most about SensationALL is the deep respect for every child and adult as an individual. SensationALL means safety, understanding, and possibility to me. It’s a place where differences are welcomed, nervous systems are honoured, and children are supported to thrive in ways that feel right for them.

How long have you been at SensationALL?
I’ve been part of SensationALL for 8 years.

What’s your favourite sensory activity?
My favourite sensory activity is anything involving deep pressure or heavy work. It’s grounding, regulating, and such a powerful way to help children feel safe and settled in their bodies.

A fun fact about yourself!
I love creating calm, cosy spaces and I’m always thinking about how environments can feel more regulating, nurturing, and welcoming. I’m also obsessed with Neuroscience which helps us understand neurodivergent nervous systems! 

Self-regulation spotlight – Deep Pressure!

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At SensationALL, we use a wide variety of sensory-informed strategies during our sessions and interactions with people with neurodivergent conditions and additional support needs.

In this article, Clinical Lead, Rebekah, explains why these approached are important, and how they can benefit you or your loved one.

Deep Pressure

What is it?

Deep pressure stimulation (DPS) means applying consistent, gentle weight or compression to the body.

This can be through weighted blankets, firm hugs (with consent), compression garments, or activities like pushing/pulling heavy objects.

How does it work?

Deep pressure activates the body’s proprioceptive system and sends signals to the brain that help reduce anxiety, increase focus, and create a feeling of safety. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who may experience sensory overload or dysregulation!

Here are a few suggestions for activities based on age groups that incorporate deep pressure!

Young children (ages 2-6)

  • Compression hugs or “body sandwich” with cushions
  • “Steamroller” game (child lies under a blanket/mat or cushion and is gently rolled
  • over with pressure)
  • Rolling in a blanket (like a burrito)
  • Animal walks: bear crawl, crab walk — heavy work through limbs
  • Tug-of-war or pulling toys

Children (ages 7-12)

  • Weighted lap pads during seated tasks (school, homework)
  • Heavy work jobs: pushing laundry baskets, carrying books, stacking chairs
  • Deep pressure massage or brushing protocol (e.g., Wilbarger)
  • Yoga poses with joint compression (downward dog, child’s pose with hands
  • pressing into floor)
  • “Pillow pile crash”: jumping into a beanbag or soft pile
  • Fidget tools that provide resistive feedback (therapy putty, stress balls)
  • Introduce self-advocacy: “When I feel jittery, I can do __ to feel better.”

Teens (ages 13+)

  • Compression vests or snug athletic clothing
  • Weighted blankets or wraps during relaxation, sleep, or transitions
  • Wall push-ups, planks, or resistance band exercises
  • Therapeutic massage or self-massage tools (foam rollers, vibrating pads)
  • Carrying a loaded backpack briefly (not for long periods)
  • Using gym equipment for proprioceptive input: rowing machines, resistance training

If you find that deep pressure works for you, it might be worth considering how this can be part of your everyday routine. Here’s a few examples of how deep pressure can be applied to your daily routine:

  • Morning: Wall pushes, body squeezes, weighted breakfast chair pad
  • School: Lap pad, heavy backpack (briefly), resistance putty during listening
  • Afternoon: “Heavy work” chores or play, trampoline or crash pad time
  • Transitions: Compression vest, bear hug, or pillow sandwich before car rides or errands
  • Bedtime: Massage, weighted blanket, yoga or child’s pose

When using these strategies, it is important to follow a number of safety tips!

  • Always person-led: Deep pressure should never be forced; it must feel safe and comforting!
  • Time-limited: Weighted blankets or vests should be used for 20 minutes at a time.
  • Observe response: Signs of dysregulation (sweating, agitation, zoning out) means it’s too much input.
  • Use appropriate weight: Weighted items should be around -10% of the child’s body weight, or minus 1-2lbs, depending on modality. Always ensure you are adjusting the weight and communicating with the person – deep pressure can vary for everyone!
  • Pair with co-regulation: Use deep pressure WITH verbal reassurance and a soothing tone.

Deep pressure is a powerful, non-verbal language of safety. It tells the body: you are grounded, you are held, you are safe. When used respectfully, it becomes a ritual of care, a bridge between nervous system healing and daily life.

Follow us on socials for more useful self-regulation tools and strategies!

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Sensory Regulation and Play!

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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 designed activities around sensory regulation strategies so they are learning while they are playing!

Regulating our senses looks different for everyone, whether they are neurodivergent 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!

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Filling the gap in statutory services

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As a third sector organisation, SensationALL was founded to 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). 

In June, a shocking report was published by The Scottish Parliament; “Neurodevelopmental Pathways and Waiting Times in Scotland”, which outlines a concerning picture of neurodivergent care in Scotland: 

  • 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.

Would you walk on fire for SensationALL?!

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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 more information and to register for the event contact us – events@sensationall.org.uk 

Surviving the summer holidays

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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…

Download activity sheets

9. Back to school preparation

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!

Community Asset Transfer Success!

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We are delighted to announce that Aberdeenshire Council have granted a Community Asset Transfer of the historic Old Schoolhouse to SensationALL, in a deal which marks the culmination of many years of effort.

The terms of the transfer – Aberdeenshire Council’s biggest to date – will provides us with a stable and secure base where we can continue to deliver services which are invaluable to families living with complex conditions such as autism, learning disabilities and neurological conditions.

Our Chair of the Board of Trustees, Bob McCracken said:

“This is a magnificent step forward for the charity, which provides it with a stable foundation on which to build and flourish. I would like to thank Aberdeenshire Council, the local Councillors, the local Community and the Trustees – past and present – for their support and hard work which has resulted in the charity being given this wonderful opportunity.”

Aberdeenshire Council’s transfer means we can now begin work on expanding the services we offer. Suz Strachan, Service Manager and co-founder of SensationALL said:

“This is an exciting and bold move for SensationALL. Taking over the long-term lease of the building presents a fantastic opportunity for us to develop our services and facilities as never before. Our future really is now in our own hands.”

As Chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Garioch Area Committee, Cllr Fergus Hood added:

“We are so pleased to see this coming together for the benefit of the local community and to support the incredibly important work SensationALL do with some of our most vulnerable residents. We are committed to empowering communities to create their own success stories through community asset transfer projects and this is absolutely one of them.”

There are exciting plans in store for both SensationALL and the Old Schoolhouse as we work towards realising our charitable vision of creating a flagship service for individuals with support needs & disabilities in a state-of-the-art facility.

Follow our progress on social media

SensationALL and Giving Tuesday

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Giving Tuesday is a global day of giving, after Black Friday and Cyber Monday it is a day to give back and do good. At SensationALL we love the idea and thought it was the perfect opportunity to shout about the ways you can support our charity.

SensationALL are dedicated to providing outstanding therapeutic services for individuals with support needs and their families however, we simply couldn’t operate without help from our volunteers, supporters and local community! We rely on our volunteers giving their time to our users during services , fundraising committee giving their time at events, we rely on corporate supporters giving donations and raffle prizes. 

We have just launched our Christmas Card Campaign 2018 when we’re asking people to donate instead of sending cards this year. One of our parents was the first to sign up because of the experiences she’s had at SensationALL:

“SensationALL has provided an exemplary location for our son to feel at ease, the staff and other families provided a welcoming respite in a demanding world. Every £1 here makes a real impact!”

Here are some other ways you can give to SensationALL.

  • Volunteer at upcoming events (SensationALL Ceilidh, Friday 30th November, Winter Wonderland, Saturday 08th December)
  • Donations for our Winter Wonderland fayre – Chocolate, Home baking (drop off at the Old Schoolhouse by 06th and 07th December) and bottles for the bottle stall.
  • Fundraise for SensationALL – we’ve got places at Run Balmoral and Ride the North 2019 or organise your own fundraiser doing whatever you like!

If you want to give some time to SensationALL in any shape, we’d love to hear from you – email volunteering@sensationall.org.uk #SensationALL

Check out what the SensationALL team do here. 

CML take on a “SensationALL” project

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A team of volunteers from Aberdeen-based midstream infrastructure business CATS Management Limited (CML) have shown their ongoing commitment to local charity SensationALL by rolling up their sleeves for two days of DIY activities for the second year running.

SensationALL provides support and multi-sensory experiences for children and adults with disabilities and multiple support needs, their families and associated professionals. In 2016, the charity was successful in its application for a Community Asset Transfer from Aberdeenshire Council for the Old Schoolhouse building in Westhill and is now working towards transforming it into a purpose-built facility.

In 2017, CML funded the purchase and installation of a new summer house and was involved in painting, gardening and general maintenance. This year’s support included removing and replacing cupboards, painting the main activity room and upgrading the outdoor garden space. CML also donated £5,000 to cover the cost of new flooring and storage units.

Suz Strachan, operational lead and co-founder of SensationALL, said: “The support that we have received from CML is overwhelming. Their team are a dynamic bunch who power through maintenance tasks that our small team simply don’t have the time or resources to do. Their enthusiasm for what we do at SensationALL is fantastic and we love having them onsite.”

SensationALL is staffed by experienced specialist practitioners who deliver therapeutic sensory based activities that promote early intervention for individuals with support needs such as autism as well as those with learning disabilities and neurodevelopmental conditions.

Suz Strachan added: “This year we are particularly excited that in addition to all the internal work, CML have helped us upcycle some items donated by the AWPR. The new seating area will be used for outdoor learning as it enables us to take groups outside and utilise the sights, sounds and smells of our garden as a sensory experience.”

Andy Hessell, managing director of CML, said: “As a small, independent charity, SensationALL relies on companies like CML to help it achieve its goal of creating a safe, stimulating and practical environment for the people they support. We have seen first-hand the positive difference SensationALL has on individuals, their families and the local community, and are delighted to continue to support Suz and her inspirational team.”