Seashell Trust Launches Special Appeal
Seashell Trust in Cheadle Hulme, which provides a home, education and hope for a better future for children, young people and adults with profound disabilities, has launched a special appeal to raise funds for much needed mobile sensory equipment.
Many local people and supporters will be receiving a letter with details but Seashell Trust are urging everyone in the area to support a local cause, which has a huge impact on so many youngsters in our area.
Seashell Trust want to raise £14,000 for two mobile multi-sensory units and a sensory floor projection unit to be used between the children’s homes on site.
The sensory department helps children like Elliot, who was born with a visual impairment, no hearing at all and severe problems with his balance. Because of his disabilities, he finds it very difficult to process information but regular stimulation using sensory equipment has profound benefits for him.
Anne Gough, Head of the Sensory Department, says ‘Not only has sensory stimulation helped improve Elliot’s vision, it also allows him to control his environment and to make choices. In turn, this reduces his anxiety levels enabling him to communicate using basic sign language and symbols rather than expressing himself through his behaviour.’
She continues, ‘The multi-sensory room in school is a vital resource for us, but some of the challenges faced by Elliot and our other students mean it isn’t always safe to get their coats on and move across campus to the multi-sensory room from their houses. Being able to bring a multi-sensory unit to their home will be invaluable’.
The appeal is being spearheaded by one of Seashell Trust’s supporters, Donna Blacow from Cale Green. Donna says ‘I decided to support Seashell Trust because I know that when I give money it is spent on what the children need most.
‘Even though I love spoiling my family and friends at Christmas, for children like Elliot this will be the most important gift I give. For the equivalent of a glass of wine at the Christmas party or a box of mince pies, you could be helping change the lives of very special children like Elliot, not just at Christmas but for years to come. Any amount you can give would really help’.
To donate to the Seashell Trust Christmas Appeal go to www.seashelltrust.org.uk or call fundraising on 0161 610 0168.