During the Covid-19 Pandemic the number of people struggling with anxiety has risen, not only in adults but in children as well. Children have had to deal with not being able to have face to face contact with close family and friends, not being able to go to school and do day to day activities, and also other restrictions that have been implemented throughout the pandemic.
The idea of creating sensory boxes came from team leader Leanne Flint. Leanne approached therapy coordinator Tracy Deakin with the idea and Tracy took it to the service users. Everyone agreed it would be a lovely thing to do.
Each box contains sensory items such as stretchy strings, mesh and marble fidgets, stress balls and zip bracelets. In addition there is also an information booklet and also some worksheets that the schools can do with children who have worries and may struggle with returning to school after such a long time.
Service users helped pack and decorate the sensory boxes and so far there have been donations to Denaby Main Primary in Denaby, Carrfield Academy Primary in Bolton upon Dearne and also Astrea Dearne Academy in Goldthorpe.
Tracy said, “The sensory boxes have been very well received and we are looking at doing this for more of our local schools in the hope it will help with the struggles children might be currently facing.”