Sense Family Days Appeal 2026


There’s something special about a Sense Family Day. Everyone is – pardon the pun – having a ball!

Siblings, parents and grandparents. And most importantly, disabled children with complex needs like six-year-old Leo.

Sense runs Family Days throughout the year, and they’re free for families to attend. They’re tailored to disabled children with complex needs, but are suitable for the whole family!

Simona, Leo's mum, carrying Leo. They are both looking at the camera and smiling

From the moment we arrived, I felt like this was the right place for Leo, and for me. Leo wasn’t just there, he was playing. There wasn’t anything that he couldn’t do, not a single activity where he was left on the sidelines.

Simona, Leo’s mum

Let’s Have a Ball

Leo came along to a Sense Family Day called ‘Let’s Have a Ball’ which was full of ball-themed activities.

There was ball throwing (Leo’s favourite!), songs and activities with balls, a ball pit, even painting with balls. And then a sensory disco (complete with sparkly disco ball).

Sensory Storytime

Leo and his mum Simona at Sensory Storytime

Leo and his mum Simona also went along to a Family Day called Sensory Storytime.

Like many deafblind children, Leo struggles with spatial awareness – understanding where his body is in the space around him. He’ll rarely use both hands at the same time.

But at Sensory Storytime, they did a special song and activity called ‘marching ants up a log’. During the song, Leo used both his hands together to roll a ball – a huge achievement. And now, he’s started doing it at home too!

Liz, MSI teacher, is wearing a purple jumper and a scarf. She has grey hair tied back and is smiling at the camera

We hold a variety of different days to appeal to the wide range of our families; some are active such as climbing or dancing, others are creative such as craft or paint, and some focused on age groups such as storytelling or spa day.

Liz, MSI teacher

Other Family Days activities

Franklyn is at a climbing wall wearing a harness. He is accompanied by a support worker helping him with the equipment

Climbing Challenge

The Sense Family Day at an indoor climbing wall gave disabled children with complex needs the opportunity to try something they may have never dreamed they could do.

Water Wonder

Sense held a Family Day boat ride called Water Wonder. The children enjoyed the smell of salt in the air, the feel of the wind, and the exhilaration as the boat started to speed ahead!

Family Days feedback

What do other parents think? We run independent surveys into the effectiveness of Sense Family Days to make sure they’re the best they can be.

Sensory play

91% of respondents agreed their child had opportunities to explore and engage in sensory play.

Family wellbeing

89% of respondents agreed that the Sense Family Day had a positive effect on their family’s wellbeing.

Satisfaction

89% described Family Days as ‘extremely’ or ‘very’ enjoyable with 100% overall satisfaction

Your gift could help to break down barriers

When you support a Sense Family Day, you’re not just funding a day of sensory activities.

You’re also supporting disabled children with complex needs to improve their communication, gain confidence and learn the skills they’ll need later in life.

  • £40 could go towards supporting a day like Sensory Storytime.
  • £75 could help fund a day like Climbing Challenge.
  • £100 gift could help support a day like Water Wonder.

Please will you give £40 to help fund a Sense Family Day for a child like Leo? Thank you.

Donate now