Parents and carers across County Durham and Darlington have praised a children’s occupational therapy programme for helping them better understand their children’s sensory needs and feel more confident supporting them at home.
The Sensory Smart Families (SSF) programme, delivered by County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust’s Children’s Occupational Therapy Service, helps families understand sensory differences and the impact these can have on children’s behaviour and everyday activities.
The three-session course is delivered by occupational therapists in community venues across County Durham and Darlington for parents and carers of children referred to the service.
It provides practical strategies, resources and advice to help families recognise and respond to their children’s individual sensory needs.
Feedback from families has been exceptionally positive, with every participant reporting an improved understanding of their child’s sensory needs.
Meanwhile, 98% said their knowledge of how to support their child had improved, and 100% said they would recommend the programme to other families.
Parents particularly valued the practical advice, the opportunity to learn from other families and the supportive environment created by the occupational therapy team.
The feedback also highlighted the difference the programme has made to parents’ confidence and outlook, helping them feel more hopeful and empowered to support their children’s wellbeing and participation in everyday life.
One parent said: “This training has allowed me to have some of the best conversations with my child that I have ever had.”
Others shared how the sessions had given them practical ideas to try at home, with one parent commenting: “So many ideas now to try, feeling hopeful and optimistic.”
Another said: “Much better at knowing how to help because it is easier to read changes and make plans.”
The positive feedback highlights the value of helping families build their understanding and develop practical skills they can use in their everyday lives.
Well done to the Children’s Occupational Therapy team for delivering a programme that is making a real difference to families across County Durham and Darlington.
