Bolton parents' plans for children's sensory play centre

Katie Dunn and other Bolton parents have plans to build a sensory play centre in Bolton to give their own children and many others a place for children with disabilities to play.

The parents have applied to start a new charity called Oh Sensory Me.

They have raised £1,065 so far of the required goal of £100,000 needed.

Haley and Jack Longworth, Jonathan Heathcote are among the parents involved.

They decided to work together to develop the play area after finding their was no local funding available.

Katie said: “The statistics in Bolton for learning disabilities is one in four.

“Five of us have started our own charity.

 “All we want in Bolton is one place for our kids to be able to play, with a hoist for those that are non-mobile.”

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Katie’s own daughter, Ophelia Dunn has ASD ARFID (avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder) and the mum of one is eager to allow her to be able to enjoy playtime like every other child.

She said: “As a parent of a daughter with sensory needs we find it extremely difficult especially at weekends and the holidays for places to go.

“A place that is specifically designed for those with ASD and complex needs and where the noise levels are limited, and the lighting and the equipment is adjusted to suit those with needs like my daughter.”

Currently, when Katie wants to take her daughter to play, she has to travel 30 miles to Preston and book an hour in advance.

She said: “I’m astonished that in 2023 I am driving to Preston to use their sensory centre . Booking a month in advance for an hour at a time . 

"With Bolton having nothing apart from the odd sensory room.

"What I mean by that, is that it’s a centre for mainstream kids with one corner for them and is too noisy and does not meet needs." 

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Katie has been campaigning for the sensory play area for a number of years.

Francesca Eastwood from the Royal Mail Farnworth branch is also involved and has been making pancakes and collecting donations.

Richie Longworth also from Farnworth who attends Ladywood his parents Haley and Jack Longworth said they long for somewhere for Richie to play at.

Donate to the page here. (https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/oh-sensory-me)