Forty Home-Start families are receiving packs made up of Sensory toys – designed to engage a young child’s attention by stimulating one or more of the five senses. Particularly good for children who are on the Autistic spectrum, they can be very helpful in helping children manage their mood and any anxiety they may experience. These specialist toys are quite expensive and, given the circumstances of our Home-Start families, financial strains can be a huge struggle when having to prioritise between needs and wants. Having these stimulating and helpful toys gifted to our families will be a huge help.
Funded by Clarion Futures, the charitable foundation of Clarion Housing Group, Home-Start London is working with Home-Starts Barnet Brent Enfield & Harrow and Camden & Islington to distribute the toys to Home-Start families in need. Home-Start coordinators and volunteers will also guide families through online support resources to access a range of free activities to help them get the most out of the sensory packs with their children.
One parent has commented: “I’ve been looking at toys like this for years and never been able to afford them, nobody has ever done as much for my family as Home-Start, you are like angels from heaven.”
The project, which started 2 weeks ago will run to the end of May.
