Recent Projects

Inclusive Outdoor Space at Sense Loughborough

Leicestershire (Midlands)

Wooden Spoon Leicestershire is proud to announce the opening of Sense Loughborough, a fully inclusive outdoor space. This initiative aims to support the wellbeing of children and young people with complex disabilities. With the funding, Sense Loughborough has transformed an unused area into an outdoor hub designed for specialist forest school and horticulture activities.

The forest school ethos is centered on building relationships and communication through the natural world. By engaging in outdoor activities and interacting with nature, children and young people can develop personal, social, and emotional skills. The newly created area also serves as a rich multi-sensory space, offering diverse experiences that cater to the needs of children and young people.

Sarah, a parent, shared her excitement about the project: “I would like to thank Wooden Spoon wholeheartedly for the significant funding we have received for the Innowalk at Braidburn School. This will benefit my son, Hamish, who has severe cerebral palsy, and countless other young children at the school with physical disabilities.”

The benefits of this inclusive outdoor space extend beyond physical activity. The trials conducted at the school demonstrated improved sleep, bowel function, and joint movements among the children. Regular use of the Innowalk has shown to enhance respiratory function, cardiovascular fitness, and muscle tone. Additionally, teachers have noticed increased engagement in lessons and greater comfort in standers, walkers, and wheelchairs.

Wooden Spoon remains committed to supporting projects that enhance the lives of children with disabilities or facing disadvantage. This grant to Sense Loughborough is a testament to our dedication to creating inclusive and supportive environments.

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