A project to transform part of a Perth and Kinross Council facility for children and young people with additional support needs (ASN) into a sensory area has come to fruition with support from local businesses.
The team at Woodlea Cottage in Perth provides personalised family support programmes to help families where children have complex needs, including respite stays at the purpose-built provision.
Through the Council's Angel Share initiative, aimed at supporting innovative project ideas to come to fruition, the team received £3000 funding to develop a sensory area in Kirsty House, an existing outdoor playhouse at Woodlea Cottage, along with new play facilities, for respite service users. The funding has enabled the purchase of sensory equipment and toys, and outdoor play equipment including a mud kitchen and trampoline to create an inviting, enjoyable and exciting space.
A number of local businesses also got involved to transform the community facility. Robertson Construction Tayside agreed to manage the transformation at zero cost and also donated the outdoor play equipment. Members of its supply chain including Kilmac, Sidey, Lesterose, Devar Flooring, Presdec and Caledonian Play, further supported the project by donating materials, resources and labour to give back to the community facility.
On Monday 28 April 2025, Council officials, elected members and representatives from the companies gathered at Woodlea Cottage to see the completed improvements for the first time.
Perth and Kinross Council Depute Chief Executive, Clare Mailer said: "Angel Share looks to support fresh ideas that will make a difference for communities within Perth and Kinross. The children and young people who use Woodlea Cottage have significant challenges in their everyday lives, and the team here who support them and their families came up with a great proposal to improve the facilities further. I was very pleased also that local companies were willing and ready to assist with making the sensory area project a reality and contribute positively to their communities."
Kevin Dickson, Regional Managing Director, Robertson Construction Tayside, commented: "This project has been a true team effort together with the Council and our supply chain partners to create an inclusive, engaging and vibrant new space. In total, 12 people dedicated 210 hours alongside in-kind donation to support a truly deserving cause.
"We are committed to delivering meaningful, long-lasting benefits in the communities where we work, and we hope the young people at Woodlea Cottage enjoy this new space for years to come."
Lauren Pratt, Social Value Manager for Kilmac said: "Kilmac is passionate about supporting the local community, particularly when it comes to assisting with disability-related needs. By improving the play area's accessibility and safety, we created a more inclusive environment. We look forward to seeing the positive impact these improvements will have on the families and children who use Woodlea Cottage. "
Jamie Bruce Jones, Managing Director of Caledonia Play commented: "Caledonia Play were delighted to provide a range of play equipment for the sensory area at Woodlea Cottage. We believe that play is essential for a child's development and to add fun and joy to their daily routine. The area created will offer a welcoming, inclusive space where everyone can enjoy the benefits of play with sensory stimulation."
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