The Way sensory room fundraiser reaches halfway point

The crowd funder has now reached £20,977 of its £32,844 target.

It has been backed by 25 sponsors, including Wolverhampton Council, the DM Thomas Foundation, the Bailey Thomas Charitable Fund and the Hospital Saturday Fund.

The money will be used to create a safe space that is suitable for people with severe and mild sensory disabilities.

A sensory room is a special facility designed to develop a person’s senses, through a range of stimuli including lighting, music, soft objects and colours.

Richard Ralph, grants and trusts manager at The Way, said: “The sensory room will benefit young people and adults who have learning difficulties, sensory impairment and developmental disabilities where users can build their confidence and increase their ability in a safe environment.

“It will be used to stimulate the senses and to calm people down who have conditions that cause them to get agitated or aggressive.

"Staff trained with specialist knowledge of working with children with additional needs will be able to support young people and their carers at the centre.

“We would also like to make the room available for adults during the daytime. These would be people who may have suffered brain injuries or strokes. Or possibly people with Dementia who would benefit from the equipment.”

Staff at The Way are developing the plans for the new space with designers.

As well as bespoke lighting and furnishings, staff have also looked into installing a hoist system onto the ceiling which can be used to lift people who are in wheelchairs, enabling them to move around the space without the use of a wheelchair.

The youth centre is encouraging organisations and businesses in Wolverhampton to back their campaign with ongoing support.

Donations to the fundraiser can be pledged online at www.spacehive.com/thewaysensory or by dropping money in collection buckets in the building’s reception.