UKSE has given a grant of £2,200 to Ayrshire Children Services (ACS) to help towards the cost of creating an outdoor ‘quiet room.’

The sensory hut, which will be housed at the Ko-Nekt skills and play centre in Ardrossan has ample space for wheelchair access, and is complete with soft furnishings to make visitors feel at home.

Open 10 hours a day, seven days a week, the therapeutic quiet room has been designed to be a safe haven during times of distress.

It will be available specifically to children aged from three to 18 years old who struggle with social interaction, education or life at home, as well as providing flexible respite for families.

Ko-Nekt, opened in March this year, and the specialist room opened on 26 June.

Marianne Greenway from ACS said: “We offer unique and tailored support to those who use our services, and with our new sensory room, we can now welcome and assist more children and their families.

“There is no place like this in our area, and without UKSE’s support, we wouldn’t have been able to create the sensory room. We are so grateful to them and all the help they’ve provided.”

Scott Webb, regional executive at UK Steel Enterprise, said: “Ayrshire Children’s Services carries out invaluable work in supporting children with additional support needs and we are proud to be able to assist them with their efforts.

“The new sensory hut is a fantastic space for both children and parents alike, and we are looking forward to seeing the positive impact the centre will undoubtedly have on the area.”