Supporting vulnerable children in lockdown

I’m currently supporting 4 families at this time. What is so strange is that all the support is within the family home so we are being creative with what we are doing to ensure the child gets the best possible care and stimulation without being compromised in the community.

Lots of easy-at-home sensory resources have been made and used. I think my favourite so far has been the ikea sandwich bags filled with a dollop of paint. There are great to explore with your hands or feet. initially the paint is cold in the bag but it warms up and squelches as you move it. It’s incredibly relaxing and sooooo cheap to do.

The great opportunity at present is that all the boxes of random stuff ‘that I might need’ is currently being used. This is great as it also helps to tidy my work space as I go searching for things. Different materials and textures have been used to explore with our bodies. I’ve also come across some things that I’ll never use so once the lockdown is lifted these will be donated so others can use them.

I’ve also found time to use beautiful smelling moisturisers (I obviously confirmed with the family that these were ok to use first) on their limbs to help them relax but also create a lovely sensory session. Creating sensory spaces within the family homes has been once of the success stories of the lockdown. It’s enabled us all to focus on what the child has and put these resources to good use. The whole family benefits from the relaxation, whether it be the lights, sounds, smells, or the time to themselves.

I’ll add more soon but I’m off to work now…..byeeeeeeee