With the end of the summer holidays, most children have now returned to the classroom and swapped stories with the rest of their classmates about their various excursions and eclectic activities.
And one outgoing charity has ensured that blind and deaf youngsters across Moray have been able to join their friends in sharing their summer adventures.
Based in Aberdeen, Dundee and Elgin, North East Sensory Services helps and supports sensory impaired people across the region through a series of diverse initiatives.
The charity’s Young Person’s Sensory Service (YPSS) organised a number of different events for blind and deaf youngsters, which took place across Moray during the six-week summer break.
The programme catered to all types of different skill sets and was actively designed to help the children step out of their comfort zones.
Some of the activities included a visit to Highland Wildlife Park, an Elgin family fun day, dolphin watching in the Moray Firth, as well as horse riding and tandem bike riding sessions.
Over 40 youngsters up to the age of 16 took part in the busy programme over the course of the summer.
Vicky Maclachlan, whose seven-year-old son Callum is deaf and uses the services, was grateful to those who made it possible.
She said: “Callum has been going to NESS for around four years now and he looks forward to all the activities that are organised in the school holidays.
“I also really enjoy taking Callum along to the events, as the kids can play together at ease, whilst the parents get together to share hints and tips with each other.
“The activities organised make such a big difference to all the children, as there is always something going on.
“I believe that all the parents would be lost without NESS and the services it provides.”
The organisation’s young person’s coordinator, Diana Daneels, who helped organise the activities, added: “Our range of adventure and outdoor events are extremely popular with the youngsters who use the NESS services.
“The kids really enjoy planning the activities with us and they are getting more adventurous every year.
“It is very important that we teach the children that they are just as capable of taking part in activities, as fully sighted and hearing children.
“The range of activities that NESS provides helps to build confidence, forge friendships, improve skills and allows them to push their boundaries.
“The parents are always extremely thankful, as the activities gives the children something to look forward to. It is really rewarding to see the youngsters enjoying themselves and bonding with one another.”
The group has gained acclaim for the inclusive nature of their myriad enterprises. And the message is there is no age limit on helping others.