AABIE visit the newly opened playpark at SensationALL

At AAB we all have it in our hearts to help others. With that in mind we launched AABIE, our charitable initiative in 2016. AABIE enables everyone at AAB Group to invest and give back to the communities in which we operate. Our AAB team members make the work that AABIE does possible.

AABIE Trustees Claire Smith and Lesley Connon recently attended the opening of the Playpark at SensationALL where they were able to see first hand exactly how our support had made an impact to children living in Westhill and the surrounding area.

SensationALL provide inclusive therapy based services and social opportunities to ALL ages, ALL conditions and ALL members of the family. SensationALL evolved in response to a gap in local services in 2012. Parent Susan Kay and Occupational Therapist Suz Strachan started the organisation with the vision of giving families living with multiple support needs and disabilities a place to belong where they can feel empowered, safe and supported throughout their lives.

Following the AABIE visit, Claire smith shared: “The new Playpark has been carefully put together, taking into account the various needs users may have. For example, the park has a slide that is extra wide to accommodate any supports a child may require. There is also a floor level trampoline that will enable wheelchair users to experience the feeling of moving up and down. Considerations have been made that would normally be overlooked. It is so important to have inclusive spaces that cater to everyone and AABIE have had a hand in creating this which is amazing. In our September 2020 grant round we were able to make a contribution, funding 2 pieces of kit in this wonderful playground. It was great to see and hear how many children have already made use of the fantastic park and even greater to find out that the park is open to the wider community not just SensationALL users. ALL are welcome!”

Suz Strachan, SensationALL co-founder and Service Manager added: “Every child has the right to play safely, yet many families affected by mobility constraints, Neurodiversity and/or sensory processing issues struggle to find play parks that are suited to their needs. We wanted to create the first fully inclusive play space in Westhill for our families as well as members of the public. We carefully selected play equipment that would provide a fun, sensory experience and offer something for children of all ability levels. We are so grateful to AABIE who contributed towards 2 pieces of equipment and enabled us turn the project into a reality.”

It is estimated that 1 in 5 people in the UK are Neurodiverse. SensationALL is an important charity, empowering attendees to reach their full potential. Find out more about SensationALL and how you can help here.

We are always looking to support more charities in need through AABIE, if you would like to help us help others you can do so here. If you are a charity in need of support, you can apply to our next grant round here.