Layton first became involved with SRSB in 2009 when his family were referred by their social worker to the Little Sparklers Playgroup at our centre. Layton is registered blind, has Cerebral Palsy and also has Hydrocephalus. At one point his family were told that he may not walk and would be bed-bound, but despite these challenges Layton can now walk for about 200 yards and can say a few sentences.

He attended the Little Sparklers group, which is a pre-school playgroup for children with a visual impairment (and their siblings). The group is tailored to the children and their specific requirements. They can play with sensory and stimulating toys such as tactile, fibre optics, cause and effect, dark dens etc. The group also arranges trips to other appropriate services like hydrotherapy pool sessions.

Layton is now at school, and mum Natalie feels that the group helped his development, “They play with toys that have lights and sounds and things that get them to use their eyes a lot more. He really enjoyed going and attended since he was a baby.”

Layton is still involved with SRSB as still comes to Children’s Parties, Activity Days and Annual Summer Trips. Despite all his problems and all the hospital visits, he remains so cheerful and has a permanent smile! We have all been so inspired by his progress and our staff and volunteers who work with him are really pleased to have played a part in part in this.