We would like to make this spotlight a more personal one, sharing the experience that both Dan and Richard had visiting Senses Wellbeing Centre. Based in Skelton, Senses are a not-for-profit organisation going above and beyond to offer inclusive opportunities to those who need it most in our area, tailoring to children with special needs, the parents of these children, and elderly citizens with dementia; there are no limitations or boundaries in this highly inclusive business.
Dan and Richard visited Senses Wellbeing Centre where we met with the manager, Karen Winspear, in a truly touching breakdown of their journey to becoming a well-loved part of the community for their inspirational work. It became clear to see that the impact senses have had on so many people in our area who have been crying out for a place such as this one, a safe space that can connect anybody feeling as though they are suffering alone with others in the same circumstances. To anybody reading who this may apply to, or if you would know anybody in need of a place like this, visit Senses Wellbeing Centre here.
Senses Wellbeing Centre CIC was created during the global pandemic. Built for the community by the community. Due to a lack of provision across Redcar & Cleveland it seems Senses bridged a gap by offering a multi use, fit-for-purpose venue to run wellness sessions for all ages and abilities, including children and adults with special educational needs and disabilities. Senses offers after school sessions such as ‘We Will Rock You’ drumming fitness and ‘Let it Glow’ dance sessions that are not just inclusive but offer family fitness at a time that’s accessible.
The centre is open 7 days a week and has 18 volunteers helping to run sessions including inclusive toddler group, baby socials, fully funded seated chair classes and various fundraisers. Weekend sessions in their sensory play environment are heavily subsidised from community support during 2023/24. Other mainstream and wellness sessions are often fully funded or subsidised, enabling everyone to access wellness in our community which is often out of reach financially or unsuitable. Older adult ‘Friday socials’ have grown rapidly from 15 attending a dementia friendly cinema screening in 2021 to a vibrant 60-70 attending activity afternoons in 2023!
We cannot stress enough the difference this organisation has made across our region in a relatively short space of time.
If you would like to make a donation, offer a raffle prize or offer time to volunteer contact Karen Winspear at karen@senseswellbeingcentre.co.uk
Can you tell me the best thing about your organisation?
Seeing our community come together to lift hearts and spirits after a few years of isolation. Our moto at Senses is ‘all ages and all abilities’ and we pride ourselves on being inclusive.
What is the proudest achievement in your career?
Opening Senses albeit just for 4 days on 1 November 2020. (We opened to the general public on 17th May 2021)
What are you looking forward to in the future?
Becoming sustainable, and having many more years of making a difference in our region.
What effect does your business have on Redcar and Cleveland?
We offer a safe space for children and adults to be themselves. We offer sessions for special educational needs schools in Brotton and Redcar, for students to enjoy term time but also to enjoy in the holidays too.
Senses would like to say a huge thanks to Dan and Richard for visiting Senses recently, seeing first hand the need for this provision and leaving with more knowledge of the services we offer.
