Sense Ashington

03/09/2026

The Premier League might be back on our screens, but football never takes a break at Sense.

Coach James from hosts sensory football sessions at our hub in Loughborough.

The sessions are accessible and inclusive, giving disabled people the chance to enjoy the beautiful game in a way that works for them.

Each session brings together challenges, teamwork and friendly competition. Most importantly, everyone can get involved, have fun and make new connections.

Just look at those smiles!

[Video description: Lot of clips of a group of people taking part in a sensory football session, doing different activities with a football.]

02/09/2026

For disabled children with complex needs and their families, the new school year doesn’t always mean a new beginning.

For too many, it means another year of barriers. Another year of fighting to getting the support they’re entitled to.

Last autumn, our polling found that one in four parents said their child couldn’t attend school because their healthcare needs weren’t being met.

And of those who could attend, almost 40% of parents said their child missed school during term time because the support available didn’t meet their needs.

Every disabled child deserves the chance to learn, connect and be included at school. We’re continuing to work with government to break down the barriers that are keeping disabled children with complex needs out of the classroom.

01/09/2026

Áine’s world began to open up at Sensory Explorers. A simple activity with colourful pompoms caught her attention, and her mum Claire saw her light up. They’d finally found a way to unlock her world.

Every disabled child with complex needs should have access to groups like Sensory Explorers. But for many families, that isn’t the case.

A gift from you could help unlock the world for more children like Áine.

Our symbolic giving shop is packed with fun products, bringing your donation to life, including:

£15 could pay for a tactile star, like Áine’s favourite, ready for when she wants to play ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’.

£43 could pay for an hour of guided play with a Sense specialist, helping to unlock a child’s world.

£200 could pay for four messy play kits, giving children the chance to explore their senses, make a mess and have fun!

Visit the shop here: https://bit.ly/4gJL9Ge

31/08/2026

As the summer of sport comes to an end, we're reflecting on a record breaking Tour de Sense event!

Every year, Sense Active celebrate the iconic Tour de France with an inclusive cycling celebration for disabled people with complex needs.

This year, with brand new sponsors Decathlon supporting us and the help of family members, staff, fundraisers and partners, we've smashed all records.

An incredible 800 people cycled a combined 3,146km - that's the equivalent of 10 days continuous cycling or the distance of the Tour de France plus a tour of every Sense service in England and Wales!

28/08/2026

Congratulations to for trekking 19km across the Peak District, all in aid of Sense.

The team came together and had lots of fun and created team memories through this experience. Thank you to Bobby from for facilitating such a fantastic event.

In collaboration with Endurotrek, we offer a variety of treks including Hadrian’s Wall, The Jurassic Coast and the stunning West Highland Way in Scotland.

If you'd like to take part in one of these challenges, either as an individual, with a group of friends or with your colleagues to raise vital funds for disabled people with complex needs, get in touch today to start your challenge!

Contact us on [email protected].

27/08/2026

It's your final chance to have your say on education otherwise than at school (EOTAS).

Is your child educated through EOTAS? Or have you tried to get this kind of support?

The Department for Education is asking for feedback on how EOTAS should work in the future. This is your chance to share your experience and help shape what happens next.

Sense is part of the - a group of over 130 charities, parent groups and professionals working to improve support for disabled children and young people.

They've created a short survey. The more families who take part, the stronger our voice will be when we speak to Government.

Complete the survey here: https://bit.ly/4vzhhls

26/08/2026

It’s National Dog Day, a day to celebrate our wonderful four-legged friends.

Meet Dexter the Labrador and his human, Caroline. Dexter came to live with Caroline, her brother Ayman and mum Sandra as a puppy, and he’s brought so much fun to their home ever since.

For disabled people with complex needs, dogs can bring joy, companionship and support. For Caroline, Dexter is a brand-new best friend who's always up for a game of fetch.

Show us your dogs in the comments!

[Video description: Caroline gives treats and fuss to Dexter, a black Labrador.]

25/08/2026

Áine’s world began to open up at a Sensory Explorers session.

An activity with colourful pom-poms caught her attention, and her mum Claire saw her light up. It was a moment that helped Claire feel they had “unlocked their child”.

Now with the support of Sense, Áine is continuing to discover new ways to play, explore and communicate.

You can unlock the world for more disabled children with complex needs like Áine. Find out more: https://bit.ly/4z5SMiC

[Video description: Áine is wearing a red and white dress and red cardigan. She laughs and smiles to camera. At the end of the video, a white screen appears with the Sense logo and the words 'donate today'.

24/08/2026

If you go down to the woods today, you might just find a Sense teddy bears' picnic!

Our Early Intervention and Sense Active teams recently joined forces to host a fun-filled themed sensory walk packed with activities for our families, that got everyone moving, exploring and engaging their senses.

A special shoutout to our amazing sensory rounders coach, Georgia, who's enthusiasm and creativity kept the children engaged from start to finish. She also secured donations of teddy bears, meaning every child got to take a cuddly friend home with them.

It was wonderful to see so many children and their families laughing, playing and discovering together. Days like these remind us that being active can be meaningful, inclusive and full of joy.

20/08/2026

Love adventure? Love making a difference? What if you could do both?

For James, trekking is a chance to take on a challenge, see somewhere new, meet new people and raise money for Sense, all at the same time.

His latest adventure took him 66km across Ireland over three days. There was uneven ground, changeable weather and plenty of tired legs, but it was all part of the experience.

And he’s already thinking about the next one.

Feeling inspired to take on a challenge for Sense?

Read James’ story and find your next fundraising adventure: https://bit.ly/3U8KBCn

05/06/2026

We want to express a huge thank you for our magnificent volunteers, who add huge value to our team, your local shop and a positive impact on our mission of ‘A world without limits for disabled people with complex needs’.

If you would like to help make a difference, be part of something special and have some time to spend no matter how little, please visit our website - https://www.sense.org.uk/get-involved/volunteering-with-sense/

15/04/2026

Are you over 16 and interested in volunteering with us? Gain customer service experience, grow confidence and become part of our amazing team. Follow the link below to apply.
Charity Shop Volunteer - Ashington Shop

Sense Volunteers