Family Action charity unveils new sensory room in Millom

The 'Duddon Den', designed by Family Action, now sits as a centrepiece at the Millom Family Centre.

Family Action is a charity that works with families across England and Wales, and has done so for more than 150 years.

In Millom, their operation extends to a child and family support service, offering group and one-to-one support, advice, and activities for local families.

Councillor Simone Faulkner officially opened the sensory room (Image: Family Action)

The new sensory room aims to nurture the growth and learning of children up to the age of five, while supporting those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) up to eight years of age.

The Duddon Den provides children with an engaging and peaceful space, sparking a journey of sensory exploration to address all five senses.

Emma Scott, operational manager at Family Action, said: "We are absolutely delighted to open the doors of the Duddon Den to our community.

"This sensory room is more than just a space; it’s a nurturing environment where children can grow, learn, and discover at their own pace.

"The positive feedback from families has been overwhelming, and it’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff."

Duddon Den will enable children to interact with a variety of sensory experiences (Image: Family Action)

Millom's Mayor, Councillor Simone Faulkner, was invited to inaugurate the sensory room.

She said: "I was delighted to be invited to open the new sensory room at the Family Centre.

"I was so impressed with the ambience and seeing the toddlers using the room who were obviously enjoying the ability to independently change the colours of the lightboxes.

"They looked totally relaxed in this new environment."

The Family Action charity, who designed the room, have been working with families for more than 150 years (Image: Family Action)

Parent and registered childminder, Beth, said: "As a childminder, it’s great to have access to a space that offers such a range of sensory experiences to the children we care for and our own children as well.

"All the children absolutely loved it and so did I – even the six-year-old enjoyed it and asked when we could come back."

For further information or support, Family Action can be contacted at the FamilyLine helpline, available 24/7, at 0808 802 6666 or by text at 07537 404 282.

The Millom Family Centre is situated at Lapstone Road, LA18 4LP and can be reached at 01229 777592.