Chuckle Productions receives £10,520 grant for new sensory room

The VINCI UK Foundation has awarded Chuckle Productions £10,520 for a new sensory room at its Chuckle House facility in Stone, Staffordshire, as well as general repairs to the building.

Founded in 2009, Chuckle Productions aims to help children and young adults with special needs to learn in a fun, interactive and multisensory way that encourages their natural curiosity and creativity. Over time, they develop their skills, confidence, and wellbeing, while families benefit from the parent support group.

Sharon Hodson, director of Chuckle Productions, said: “We are so delighted to hear about the funding from the VINCI UK Foundation. The support will enable us to have new flooring in the Chuckle House, as well as a sensory area and sensory equipment for our users with complex needs. We are so grateful for the support – it will make such a massive difference to Chuckle.”

Practical help

Sponsoring Chuckle Productions are Actemium Health & Safety support officer Susan Blundell and Omexom Power Solutions project manager Tim Hampshire, who will supplement the grant with practical help.

Susan Blundell said: “Improvements to the Chuckle House will make it much easier for staff to operate and organise the highly valued services they provide. With easy-to-clean surfaces and a dedicated sensory room, the space can be used in the best way possible for the specific needs of each child. Bringing life-enhancing experiences and fun into the lives of children and young people with complex needs is what the charity is all about, and I am very pleased to support Chuckle Productions through the VINCI UK Foundation.”

Tim Hampshire added: “With the money being used to develop a sensory room and kitting it out, this will allow Chuckle Productions to offer a new and better service to children, who will benefit from this safe and stimulating environment in a comfortable, enjoyable place. The staff will also be able to monitor the real benefits the children take from the whole experience.”

Continuing support

The VINCI UK Foundation has supported Chuckle Productions before with a donation of £7,619 in 2017 for a new heating/cooling system in the rooms, teaching and amenity areas. Previously, the charity was sponsored by former Actemium UK director Chris Hutchinson who sadly passed away last year. His son was part of the programme and it was extremely close to his heart so it means a lot to Susan, Tim and the whole VINCI Energies UK & RoI team to continue Chris’s work with Chuckle Productions in his memory.

Since 2016, the VINCI UK Foundation has supported 130 local charities promoting social integration and cohesion across the UK and Republic of Ireland with almost £1 million in grants. The foundation also provides a way for VINCI employees to build a connection with their local community and give back by lending their professional skills to help their chosen charity.