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Challenging Perceptions, a Woodside-based charity that supports children, young people and families affected by mental health challenges, autism and learning disabilities, has received a £500 contribution towards repairing damage caused by a recent act of vandalism at its sensory garden.

Carl Bailey, Chief Executive of Challenging Perceptions, said: “We were disappointed to see the damage caused to our sensory garden, which provides an important safe and inclusive space for the children, young people and families we support.

"At a time when charities like ours are facing increasing financial pressures, while demand for our support continues to grow, this support makes a real difference. Every pound we have to spend replacing damaged equipment is money that cannot be spent directly supporting children, young people and families.

"We’re incredibly grateful to Telford & Wrekin Council’s Building Safer & Stronger Communities team for their £500 contribution and to everyone in the community including the Police who has offered their support.

"As you can see from the photos, plants have already been replaced and we are starting to receive deliveries of replacement sensory items and equipment, so it’s great to see the garden beginning to come back to life. We can now focus on completing the restoration and making the garden a welcoming space for our families once again."

The charity provides a range of well-being, support and community activities designed to help young people build confidence, develop skills and access opportunities in a safe and inclusive environment. Its sensory garden forms an important part of that provision, offering a calming outdoor space where children and families can relax, explore and connect with nature.

Recently, staff and volunteers were saddened to discover significant damage to the garden. Several sensory items, plants, windmills and acrylic sensory panels had been vandalised or removed, with some equipment damaged beyond repair. Concerns have also been raised about the safety of a wooden sensory den after signs it may have been climbed on, while a small wooden hideaway used by children will now require repairs.

The incident came at a particularly challenging time for the charity, which is currently working to secure funding to sustain its services and sensory room provision.

Following discussions with the charity, Telford & Wrekin Council's Safer Stronger Team has agreed to contribute £500 towards repairs and replacement items. Police will also explore additional measures to help prevent similar incidents in the future.

Councillor Paul Davis, Cabinet Member for Strong Communities, Local Pride and Veterans: "We were heartbroken to discover the damage caused to the sensory garden. This space means so much to the children, young people and families who use it, and replacing specialist sensory equipment is not always straightforward or affordable.

Inspector Becky Thomas, from Telford’s Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “It is disappointing to see damage caused to a space that provides such valuable support to children, young people and families within the local community.

"We’re pleased to be working alongside Telford & Wrekin Council and Challenging Perceptions to look at measures that can help make the sensory garden more secure and reduce the risk of further incidents. We know how important spaces like this are to the people who use them, and we will continue working with our partners and the local community to help keep them safe."