Stroud-based charity Allsorts runs a specialist Toy Library for children and young people with disabilities in Gloucestershire. It’s a treasure trove of toys and games for disabled children and young people to enjoy.
It also houses some specialist equipment which can help ease some of life’s daily challenges. Items like these can be expensive and there is no guarantee a child will enjoy or benefit from them, so families can borrow items on a short or long-term loan basis, helping them decide whether to buy for themselves.
Gemma Ind and her family are regular visitors to the Toy Library: “We are members of Allsorts for my eldest daughter, Bella, who has an acquired brain injury due to meningitis and possible Autism Spectrum Condition.
“Allsorts have been amazing at supporting her and my three other children, Perseus, Cassius, and Beatrix. We used the Toy Library at first to find sensory items for my daughter to help with anxiety and sensory processing. There is such a great selection of toys to choose from, some which we couldn’t afford, but having them on loan is a great idea – plus they never get bored!
“The Allsorts team are brilliant. They get us and our family dynamics and are sympathetic to the things we’re going through. They really do listen and offer great ideas too, which have been so valuable. No judgement, just support. Allsorts really feels like family!” added Gemma.
Allsorts is seeking donations so families like Gemma’s can enjoy toys all year round. A donation of £10 could buy a construction set, great for imaginative play; £20 could buy a remote-control tractor improving dexterity and coordination; £40 could buy a threading activity with fruits and laces to aid fine motor skills; £130 could buy a Sparkle Dome a cause-and-effect interactive toy.
As items constantly need replacing and duplicating a gift could make a lasting difference to the charity and the hundreds of families who use it from across the county.
For more information visit www.allsortsglos.org.uk/christmas-appeal
