Centre Report November 2025

Centre Report: August – October 2025

 

Introduction

As we step into a new quarter, I want to take a moment to thank each of you for your continued engagement, trust, and support. This Centre report is more than just an update; it’s a reflection of the vibrant community we’ve built together. As you read, you’ll find highlights of recent activities and achievements, upcoming initiatives, and evidence of the incredible impact we’re making. Whether you’re a long-time Centre user, or newly joined, a Centre visitor or supporter, I’m excited to share our journey with you and look forward to what we’ll accomplish in the months ahead.

 

Sensory Fun Day – A Fantastic Turnout!

In August, we hosted our first ever Sensory Fun Day, welcoming over 120 attendees for an afternoon of accessible activities, games, and special guests—including guide dog puppies and even tortoises!
The day was full of fun, learning, and laughter, and we’d like to thank all the staff, volunteers, and visitors who made it such a success.

FVSC Arts & Crafts Calendar Project

Early August marked the completion of our Arts & Crafts Class Calendar Project, supported by Ian Maxtone from the Community Learning Disability Team. Participants created stunning artistic representations of the 12 months of the year using wool, clay, and acrylics.
The finished works are proudly displayed in the Centre corridors—each one a vibrant testament to our community’s creativity.

Book Club Outing – “Following Sam”

Our Book Club enjoyed a brilliant trip to the Mayfield Centre in Stirling on 7 August to meet author Jon Attenborough, who discussed his book Following Sam, chronicling his adventures visiting all 42 Scottish football grounds with his guide dog, Sam.
We’re delighted to announce that Jon and his new guide dog, Harry, will visit the Centre and our Book Club in November 2026—we can’t wait to hear about the sequel!

Men’s Group Launch

On 17 August, the Centre proudly launched its new Men’s Group, providing a relaxed space for conversation and connection.
In September, members enjoyed a breakfast talk at Carmuirs Golf Club with local historian Ian Scott. The group will continue to meet monthly on Fridays and already has plans for a Christmas lunch and outings in 2026, including visits to local historical sites and a day at the races.

Living Well With Sight Loss Course

Our first full Living Well With Sight Loss course took place in August, led by Sight Loss Ambassador Laura Cluxton. The sessions offered invaluable peer support and practical advice.
Participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive:

“It was amazing to be with people who understand – there are no bandages for this.”
“I was a caveman, hiding in the house. I am back to doing things like fishing again.”
We’re delighted by the course’s success—the next sessions will run on 6 and 13 November, with more planned for 2026.

BSL Level 1 Class – Bellfield Centre

In partnership with Health and Social Care, a new 32-week British Sign Language Level 1 course launched at the Bellfield Centre in Stirling in early August. The class currently supports 16 enthusiastic students, all well on their way to completing over 60 hours of BSL learning.

Artlink Central Partnership – Falkirk’s New Town Hall

At the end of August, we began a new collaboration with Artlink Central. Using art as a way to spark conversation, FVSC group members contributed ideas for the development of Falkirk’s new Town Hall.
Participants from Falkirk Deaf Club, Lipreading Class, and Stirling Social Group discussed what makes environments feel safe and welcoming, highlighting the importance of accessible transport and building design.

The Extremis Publishing Podcast

In September, Laura Cluxton, Lauren Gilmour, and Rowan Ferguson joined Dr Tom Christie on The Extremis Publishing Podcast to discuss accessibility, sensory awareness, and their roles at the Centre.
The episode was released later that month and received fantastic feedback from listeners across Forth Valley.  If you missed it, you can catch up here.

Community Engagement and Outreach

Our team has been active across Forth Valley, strengthening partnerships and raising awareness through a wide range of events:
• August: Attended the CTSI Community Breakfast in Alva, focusing on older people and transport.
• September: Took part in the Stirling Provider Forum, the Children’s Hearing Services Working Group, and Suicide Prevention Week events with Neil’s Hugs Foundation.
• Represented the Centre at college Freshers’ Fairs across Alloa, Falkirk, and Stirling Campuses, as well as Stirling University’s Welcome Week, promoting accessibility and volunteering.
• Supported Plus Forth Valley’s Transitions Event at Wallace High School and delivered a BSL Awareness Session for the Coalfields Regeneration Trust in Kincardine and Alloa.

In October, our outreach continued with visits to Triple Tap Tech in Edinburgh to explore accessible gaming technology, Family Drop-In Hubs in Clackmannan, and school workshops across the region.

Highlights included:
• A workshop at Graeme High School featuring Bob the Guide Dog and handler Iain Hill.
• BSL and sensory awareness sessions with Brownies and Guides in Dollar and Falkirk.
• Attendance at Stirling University’s Employers on Campus event to support students interested in sensory inclusion.

Between August and the end of October, more than 70 children benefited from our sensory awareness sessions delivered across local schools and youth groups—helping to promote inclusion, understanding, and confidence around sight and hearing loss.

 

Partnership Spotlight – SustainAble for All

We’re thrilled to be collaborating with Forth Environment Link on the SustainAble for All project. Together, we’re developing accessible, interactive maps highlighting sustainable and eco-friendly initiatives across Forth Valley.
The first engagement event took place on 29 September, and we’re excited to see this project evolve with community input.

Pamper Day – Rest and Relaxation

On 9 October, the Centre hosted a Pamper Day, offering chocolate facials, Reiki sessions, henna tattoos, tarot readings, hair cutting and nail painting.
A huge thank you to our community supporters for their generous raffle donations—including Rosebank Distillery (tour for two), Torwood Garden Centre (lunch voucher), and NHS Forth Valley Audiology (hearing test and assessment).

 

Community Talks and Networking

The Centre has continued to build strong local connections, including:
• A presentation to Probus Ladies in Grangemouth by Lauren and Rowan.
• A Nursing Student Visit at Stirling University, focusing on sensory inclusion.
• Attendance at the SVE Service Design Workshop, exploring collaborative community approaches across Stirlingshire and Clackmannanshire.
• Representation at the Older People’s Network event in Falkirk’s Braveheart Unit, helping raise awareness of the Centre’s services.

 

Centre Attendance Figures

Month	Groups	Sensory Room	Clinics	Café
August	502	142	212	548
September	685	175	176	723
October	1121	201	192	848

Café Tiki continues to be a popular hub for socialising and connection, with festive plans already underway.

 

What Was On: August – October 2025

A vibrant timetable of activities continues to offer opportunities for learning, connection, and wellbeing across the week:
Mondays: Choir, Lip-reading Classes, Talk & Sign, Knit & Natter, Voices Off, Accessible Yoga
Tuesdays: Town Break, Accessible IT, Book Group, Cookery Classes, Craft for Wellbeing, Stirling Group
Wednesdays: Deaf Open Club Bingo, Art & Craft, History Group, Online Lip-reading, Parents & Carers Peer Support, Voices Off (Alloa), Slimming World
Thursdays: Braille Class, Volunteer-led Voices Off, FVC IT Class, Macular Society Social Group, BSL Level 1 Class
Fridays: Braveheart Walkers, IT Class, Deaf Club, Men’s Group
Saturdays: Bricks ’n’ Pieces LEGO Group

 

What’s New and Coming Up

• Trial Accessible Yoga with Suzy – launching Sunday 23 November at the Centre.
• Winter Fayre Friday 28 November 11am – 2pm Free entry, Sensory Singers carol singing performance, Everyone welcome
• Café Tiki Festive Season – throughout December, enjoy Christmas dinners, buffets, and seasonal treats for groups including the Women’s Guild and Braveheart.
• Our famous Christmas cakes return from mid-December!
• Annual Centre Clean-down – begins week commencing 22 December.

 

Summary

The past few months have been filled with creativity, connection, and community spirit. As we move into the festive season, we look forward to providing a warm welcome to the Centre or one of our outreach venues, whether for a class, a cuppa at Café Tiki, or one of our wellbeing activities.

Thank you for being part of our journey.

With best wishes,

Jacquie Winning MBE
CEO, Forth Valley Sensory Centre