THERE was delight as a new sensory room opened at the LIFE Church in Bradford.
The new facility aims to help children improve their communication skills, memory, and comprehension.
The sensory room, which cost more than £30,000, has been funded by the national children’s charity, KidsOut.
The units work by stimulating the body's senses and have been proven to also improve speech and language development, said the charity.
Former footballer Leigh Bromby, who played for Leeds United and who is a patron of the charity, helped to open the much-welcomed unit along with Harrogate Town captain Josh Falkingham.
LIFE Church is situated on the outskirts of Bradford city centre and sits within one of the most deprived areas of the country.
The church sees itself as a centre for the community, supporting those most in need.
General manager Robert Hutcheson said: “Many local families face complex needs and challenges on a daily basis.
"We work tirelessly to help everyone that engages with us to know their self-worth and value and to realise their potential.
"Through our partnership with KidsOut, the donation of the sensory room brings an asset into our local community which is much needed.
"We have begun conversations with our local community partners, who are helping to identify the families who will most benefit from the installation and who often cannot get access to this kind of provision.
"We cannot wait for the room to officially open and to report back to the donors in due course on the difference that their investment has made in the lives of the children that we serve.”
Sara Williams, CEO of KidsOut, added: “We are delighted to help LIFE Church with its work to support those in need.
"The unit can dramatically improve communication skills for children who are struggling, and the installation will provide help for children right across the community, including hospitals, schools, and other children with special educational needs.
"We would like to thank Leigh Bromby who is one of our amazing patrons, for organising the star-studded turnout as it helps to raise awareness of the sensory room to many more people whose children may benefit.”
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