Our new hub in Belfast will support more children like Ruby

When Ruby first started coming to children’s sessions at Sense in Northern Ireland, she didn’t like physical touch, wouldn’t interact with staff and struggled with her mobility.

Amanda, who leads our children’s and young people’s services in Northern Ireland, reflects on Ruby’s development, and how the opening of our brand-new hub in Belfast will ensure that other disabled children can access the same opportunities.

I first met Ruby and her mum, Lisa, around 8 years ago when I visited them at their home. Ruby was just over a year old. She has a mischievous personality, a huge smile and the most infectious laugh. She’s also visually impaired and has global development delay, as well as other health conditions.

For the past few years, Ruby has been coming to sessions at Sense where she thrives on adult support. She’s benefitted hugely from intensive one-to-one interactions with staff. Sessions like this are just one of the ways we make sure our support at Sense is bespoke and tailored to each child.

When Ruby first came to Sense, she didn’t like physical touch, but now she’ll reach out to staff with both hands. Song time is one of her favourite things, and although Ruby is nonspeaking, she’ll vocalise the whole time when we play the ukelele.

Ruby also loves musical light up toys, splashing in water and play therapy, and enjoys taking part in baking sessions, relaxation and outdoor walks.

These are all activities she’ll be able to do more of now that Sense Hub Belfast is open too. With sensory rooms, dedicated children’s areas, safe outdoor space and an accessible kitchen, the new hub will mean that Ruby, and other disabled children, have a place to come to try new things, make friends and build confidence. With the support of our specialist team families will have a space to go where they feel included, and where disabled children can connect with their peers and their loved ones.

There’ll be sensory play sessions, creative activities like arts and crafts and the chance to have a go at different sports, play musical instruments and enjoy time in the garden.

It’s not just Ruby that’s benefitted from the support of our children’s and young people’s team. Her mum, Lisa, has too.

Lisa says “Sense has provided a safe space where Ruby is understood and can be herself. All the staff understand her needs and they’re fully trained to support her with her epilepsy, with learning, with physio- everything. They really know my child.

“The other children, too, are like Ruby so she has friends who know her and accept her. Our lives wouldn’t be anything like what it is if it hadn’t been for Sense. Eight years ago, I didn’t know where to turn, until Sense.”

As well as support for disabled children with complex needs,Sense Hub Belfast has a range of programmes, activities and information for disabled adults and their families. For more information about the hub, or to see if our sessions could be right for you, your child or your family, get in touch with our team.