Each month we shine a spotlight on a different family-centred Irish charity as part of our Charity of the Year series. This month, we’re showcasing the great work of Sensational Kids.
Sensational Kids is a charity that provides subsidised therapy services including Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language Therapy in four locations across Ireland in Kildare, West Cork, Mayo and Monaghan.
It operates as a social enterprise meaning that all profits from its online “Play, Develop & Learn” Store, as well as its parent and professional training workshops, are reinvested into the business to fund its overall aim of providing affordable and accessible therapies for children of all abilities.
Alan’s Story
“My son speaks with confidence now.”
Meet six-year-old Alan from Dublin. A few months back, Alan was a shy kid as there were certain speech sounds that he struggled to pronounce. Alan’s mother was concerned about his speech, but she was also worried about the effect that it was having on his confidence levels. His speech difficulties meant that he struggled to speak up and make friends. “Other children would say hi and Alan wouldn’t respond as he was afraid to talk.”
This was all until Alan began Speech and Language Therapy sessions with Sensational Kids. Since starting seven months ago, Alan’s confidence has grown immeasurably. His teacher at school has even remarked on the changes and has said Alan now puts his hand up in class and speaks with confidence. Alan’s mum is delighted, saying he now talks to everyone and has lots of friends.
The turning point was that Alan was able to get the help he needed, when he needed it.
Alan had been on a public waiting list for two years and had received four face-to-face speech therapy sessions, but his mum said it was not enough to improve his speech sounds adequately. Now she’s so happy to see her little boy able to speak up and grow in confidence.
Alan’s mum would encourage other parents to seek help if their child is struggling with their speech. “Attending Speech Therapy at Sensational Kids has changed my shy boy into a confident person who loves to play with his friends. It makes me so happy to see him flourish.”
Find Out More About Sensational Kids
Read more about Sensational Kids, or for further information on how to book an appointment with a therapist, please visit the website or call one of the centres directly:
- Kildare: 045 520900
- Mayo: 094 9357005
- Monaghan: 047 52671
- West Cork: 023 887 8208
About the Author: Robyn Hamilton
