A charity which loans specialist sensory equipment to families has received thousands of pounds so it can purchase additional items for children in County Durham.

The Learning Library has received £6,000 from the Bishop Auckland and Shildon Area Action Partnership’s (BASH AAP) area budget so it can purchase additional sensory equipment and provide further outreach sessions in the two towns.

 Operating throughout the county, the Learning Library is a registered local charity which provides a unique free loan service of specialist equipment, sensory items and toys to children and adults with additional needs and learning disabilities.

Outreach workers from the Learning Library visit families in their own homes to discuss their individual needs and children are encouraged to choose toys and sensory equipment that will help broaden their educational and emotional development, whilst also having fun.

Access to specialist items can often be beyond the average family budget and some face difficulties in travelling to resource centres meaning the free outreach service can be a vital lifeline for many families.

Andrew Walker, BASH AAP coordinator, said: “The Learning Library represents a vital resource for many families in the area and we were delighted to be able to offer funding for such an amazing project. We have seen first-hand the fantastic work they do and are delighted that the items we have funded will be able to be used locally in the future.”

For more information about the Learning Library visit https://www.learninglibrary.org.uk/