New toys and books in Hearing rooms and waiting areas

We have been rolling out new toys, books and other provisions for children and young people at our Hearing centres across the country.

Replenishments and replacements of our in-room sensory kits will also be introduced, as well as ready-made take away sensory baskets, kits and colouring in bags.

The new toys, which were originally tested at our Hearings centre in Glenrothes, are being introduced across the country this spring.

The book gifting library for older children was originally tested in Paisley, and will now be rolled out in larger Hearing centres initially. The take away sensory kits and colouring in bags have been a consistent success since they were introduced during the pandemic and we are re-introducing the popular in-room sensory baskets which are being re-stocked.

Lisa Bennett, SCRA’s Head of Strategy and our Corporate Parenting Lead said: “We want to ensure that we have something for every age in our Hearing centres.

“We already have takeaway items like fidget spinners and other sensory gadgets, plus we have copies of the wonderful VOICE magazine for young people, written and designed by young people from Our Hearings, Our Voice. Hopefully the introduction of these new toys will appeal to the younger visitors to our Hearing centres. We’ve had some really positive feedback from Glenrothes where they were tested.”

Jennifer Orren, SCRA’s Participation Officer added: “We are keen to ensure that we have a wide range of items for children, young people and families in our Hearing rooms and waiting areas.

“The toys, books, colouring in kits and sensory provisions offer a range of items for different needs and we have worked with children and young people as well as partners over the years to continue to improve what we have to offer.

“We are always open to new ideas and creative approaches so please feel free to get in touch if you have any new ideas you would like us to trial!”