A Moray children’s charity has officially opened a new sensory garden to help youngsters in the region.
Children 1st, based on Northfield Terrace in Elgin, assists families and children who have been affected by trauma or difficult childhood experiences.
They also work towards ensuring children in the region enjoy a safe and happy life and provide support workers to deal with many different scenarios.
Now, thanks to the local community, the organisation has created a sensory garden which offers a special external space for kids to talk through their feelings and play.
Lindsay Fovargue, Children 1st service manager, is confident the renovated facility will help those who need it.
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She said: “We have been overwhelmed by the generosity and hard work of the local community who have turned a drab empty space into a gorgeous colourful outside garden for the children.
“Having the right space can really help children open up about their feelings and recover from distressing events.
“The garden is a beautiful, inspiring space with beautiful colours and words written on some of the stones and funny little nooks and crannies for them to play in and enjoy.”
Donations from various Moray companies including Logie Steading, Threaplands and Highland Industrial Supplies helped pay for the garden.
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Garden Rejuvenation was involved in the actual creation of the outside space and transformed it from a “drab strip of bareish grass” and made it “beautiful.”
Children 1st currently serves many children and their relatives in the region and is expanding its support system to include forces families across Moray.
Miss Fovargue added: “We’re delighted that even more children will benefit from the garden because, thanks to the support of the armed forces convenant fund, we are extending out support to forces families under stress.
“We know that all families face difficult times and forces families also face particular challenges, such as isolation, but early support can stop issues escalating and that can make all the difference to children and families’s lives.
The charity is also seeking volunteers in Moray to assist with children’s activities and financial support.
If you are interested, contact Lindsay.fovargue@children1st.org.uk.