It’s not just the tea that our Early Years team are good at providing – their
programme of events helps families with children with additional support needs
access advice, support, activities and friendship to help the whole family
thrive.

Last year, at any one time, Sense Scotland provided support to 200
people across Scotland through early years and family support projects. Key to
that is our Early Years Programme, funded by the Scottish Government.

As many as 50 percent of the families engaged with the Sense Scotland Early Years Programme haven’t previously been in touch with others for support, so for the communities in which it operates, it has become a real lifeline. Our ambition is to work with partners and funders to make it a truly nationwide family network and when you watch our short film you’ll see why.

Mum Gillian remembers taking her daughter to one of the programme’s ‘Stay
and Play’ sessions for the first time. She explains: “We were so surprised
because Olivia absolutely loved having the music session, she really came alive
during it. She was communicating through music – the first time we’d ever
experienced, or seen, anything like that.”

For Tracey the atmosphere and support from staff made Early Years
activities a “safe space” in which to take her son Ben and meet other parents
facing the same challenges.

She says: “We’re all in the same territory, but it’s OK. Sometimes it’s
just nice to come in and you don’t need to worry for that hour to two hours.
And you always get a nice cup of tea!”

To find out more please get in touch by email or by calling the Early Years team on 0300 330 9292.