A DORSET charity has opened a unique children’s shop in the Sovereign Centre in Boscombe
Named The Treehouse, The Dorset Children’s Foundation’s store functions as a charity shop, decorated to look like an enchanted forest, during the day, raising money for the charity.
However, once closed for retail purposes, it transforms into a sensory space for the disabled children supported by the charity to enjoy.
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The shops is adorned trees and woodland creatures, with mushroom looking seats interspersed within the shop.
Co-Founder of The Dorset Children’s Foundation Patsy Hallmey said: ‘The local crafting community and our parents have been amazing and have made a variety of animals in all sorts of materials as well as flowers, birds and more which decorate the shop beautifully.
“We are so grateful to our volunteers and local businesses for sponsoring some of the items and especially Spetisbury Construction and Travis Perkins in Christchurch who donated materials.
“This has enabled us to keep costs to a minimum and we have had talented local artist and set designer Ben Irwin make all this come to fruition.”
Staff from the charity can host interactive sessions for children at the store including music, drama, storytelling and craft sessions.
On the walls there are pages of a story book for the parents to read to their children as they walk around the shop.
A sensory room provides physical and mental stimulus for children with physical disabilities, developmental delays and sensory impairments.
For children with physical disabilities, interaction with sensory stimuli can help them to develop their sight, sound, touch and hearing, as well as encouraging independence.
Patsy added: “I love to see the children’s faces when they enter this magical land.
“As a charity we are thrilled to have this wonderful opportunity and involve the community and our parents in creating this special unique space that will delight so many.”
The charity are looking for donations of saleable children’s clothes, toys, games and books please and local companies that may want to sponsor an item.
For more information, visit thedcf.org.
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