Members of a newly-formed youth club in Narberth for children and young people with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have been presented with some new sensory equipment.
The items provided – a sensory pod / tent, bean bags and specialised sensory toys – were kindly purchased by the Pembrokeshire Play Partnership.
They were requested by a number of the young people in recent research into local provision for those with ASD. The research was undertaken by Team around the Family, a support service for families.
Cllr Wynne Evans, Vice Chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council, presented the equipment. He said: “I am so impressed as to what has been achieved in the club with the enthusiasm and dedication shown by all the volunteers.
“This is a great facility for the young people in a relaxed atmosphere, and I will be seeking funding for some more much-needed equipment.”
The group meets every fortnight between 7pm and 9pm and offers the young people between the ages of 10 and 25 a variety of activities and experiences.
Steve Davis, Youth Service Manager, said: “The enthusiasm and commitment of the volunteers and parents is remarkable.
“They seem totally committed to providing a good quality youth club to the children and young people they work with.
“The provision they offer is individually tailored to meet the needs of each young person with a range of carefully selected activities which the young people appear to appreciate.”
Damian Golden, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Play Sufficiency Officer, added: “It was wonderful to be able to provide equipment for the young people which was exactly what they had been asking for.
“The equipment consisted of a specially constructed sensory pod where children or young people can enter individually and either lay down or sit on the bean bags, listen to music, play with specialised sensory touchy/feely hand toys, some of which light up, in a darkened environment, relaxing away from external lights, noise , other young people and adults etc.”
Damien added: “The parents who voluntarily give up their time for their children are so commendable and you can see the difference that this provision is making to their young lives.”
Lisa O’Sullivan, who co-ordinates the group, said it was fantastic that other people shared their vision.
“It’s all about supporting the families as a whole by giving the kids the opportunity to socialise together. It gives parents immense pride watching them.”
For more information about the group please contact Lisa O’Sullivan on 07584 304730.
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