Centre Report April 2026

Centre Report: February 2026 – April 2026

Introduction

This year is a special one for FVSC as we celebrate 20 years of supporting our amazing Centre Users and wider community. Throughout this period, the Centre has remained committed to promoting independence, inclusion and wellbeing, while continually adapting to meet the evolving needs of those we support.

This report highlights a vibrant and productive period across the Centre, showcasing our anniversary celebrations, ongoing activities, and the development of new projects and partnerships. It reflects the enthusiasm and engagement of our Centre Users, who remain at the heart of everything we do as well as the dedication of our volunteers, staff and partners.

20th Anniversary Celebrations

Tree of Life

We kicked off the year by launching our Tree of Life! We have invited Centre Users, volunteers, visitors and staff to purchase a clay heart from our Welcome Desk at the cost of only £1. People can then add a word or statement to their heart that conveys what The Centre means to them, and it’ll then be displayed in our Sensory Garden for all to see.

We have had lots of support with this project so far, including submissions from the young people at Windsor Park, members of our Board and multiple groups taking part to share their feelings about the Centre. If you would like to take part, please do get in touch or pop out to our Sensory Garden to read some of the hearts on display.

Yarn bombing

Further celebrations will include a colourful yarn bombing project in Falkirk town centre, with local crafters invited to get involved. This creative community initiative is set to be showcased in June.

Big Birthday Walk

A sponsored walk was organized to mark our anniversary, which was scheduled to take place in April and take participants on a walk along the Canal from our Centre in Camelon to The Helix. Unfortunately, Scottish Canals had different ideas and closed the towpath along the Canal before we could make this event happen.

We have around 20 people signed up to take part when a reopening date is announced. Scottish Canals expect this to be around August, so we will be completing our walk as soon as possible. Participants will be issued sponsorship packs in advance of the walk, and our GoFundMe page is open for donations relating to our Birthday celebrations all year long (search for “Celebrating 20 years of FVSC” on GoFundMe).

Please click here to find out more about how we are celebrating 20 years of Forth Valley Sensory Centre and or to make a donation via our Go Fund me page.

Birthday Party

This year we will be changing our annual Garden Party slightly, making it an anniversary celebration.

We will be welcoming along local businesses as well as selling products created by groups around the Centre. Our volunteer handymen, John and Kyle have also been busy coming up with new games to for our attendees to enjoy on the special day. We will see the return of Footbowls and Sponge Splat and we will also have a new Western themed game, Shooting Saloon. The date for this event will be announced at the end of the month so keep your eyes on our social media (FB: @FVSensoryCentre, Insta: @forthvalleysensory).

Wallace Monument

In addition, the Wallace Monument will be lit up in the Centre’s purple and blue on 8 October, helping to raise awareness of the support available for people with sensory loss across Forth Valley.

Centre Activities and Groups

Men’s Sensory Group

The Men’s Group has continued to meet monthly since forming in August 2025 and has enjoyed a positive few months of engagement. In March, members were treated to a visit from the Falkirk Ukulele Band, who delivered an interactive and uplifting session. Following this, the band has begun offering additional opportunities for individuals with sensory loss to learn the ukulele, aligning with the Centre’s plans for summer music workshops.

Accessible Yoga with Suzy

Our Yoga trial with Suzy was an amazing success and by February we had safely graduated to weekly Chair Yoga sessions on Thursday mornings, at The Centre. Flexibility improved, spirits were lifted… and then things escalated.

We don’t know what was in the soup (Carol 👀), as Suzy recently welcomed a bouncing baby boy weighing 7lb 2oz. Suzy will now be taking a well‑earned rest, but we’re hoping she’ll be back before our stretches become strains, ready to put us all through our paces once again.

Overall, the project has made a strong start, and we have plans to expand into new venues and reach more community groups. Looking ahead, there will be an increased focus on community engagement, alongside the development of sensory-based cookery workshops and exploration of cooking certification opportunities.

Royal Conservatoire Visit

March brought a true musical treat for our Choir, Knit and Natter, and Book Club members, who were delighted by a live performance from four talented students, currently studying at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow.

When bags of rice and oats began arriving in the hall, there was a moment of confusion, had we mixed up the Royal Conservatoire with a well‑known Glasgow curry house? Were we about to be served a Madras instead of music?

Thankfully, the mystery ingredients were destined for homemade shakers, setting the beat for what followed.

We were spoiled for choice as the afternoon unfolded: Henry’s powerful operatic voice led us through vocal warm‑ups, before Ronan on guitar, Hannah on cello and Sarah on fiddle filled the room with original pieces and well‑loved favourites, including classics from Runrig.

The combination of talent, warmth and shared enjoyment created a truly memorable experience, and we are already looking forward to welcoming them back again next year.

Bellfield Bunch – Stirling

In March, the group participants enjoyed a calm and restorative morning, surrounded by the gentle scents of lavender and lemongrass. The collaborative session was part of our SustainAble for All project (delivered in partnership with Forth Environment Link) and delivered by Movement in Thyme. Movement in Thyme is a grassroots organisation supporting mental and physical wellbeing and reducing social isolation through community herbal workshops, movement activities, gardening and nature‑based products.

During the session, group members selected three essential oils to create their own personalised rollerball blend, offering a soothing and sensory experience to take home in a bottle.

Projects and Programme Delivery

Tap Into Tech – Digital Inclusion

February marked the launch of another centre project, Tap into Tech, developed in collaboration with Triple Tap Tech.

Triple Tap Tech is an organisation dedicated to advising, educating and supporting people with visual loss to confidently access and use technology.

Fraser and his team will work directly with individuals in their own homes across urban Stirling, offering personalised, person‑centred support to help them and their families, navigate technology.

Alongside one‑to‑one visits, themed technology workshops will also be delivered monthly in partnership with Fraser and Stirling venues. Planned topics include screen readers and emerging technologies. As Triple Tap Tech is not affiliated with any commercial organisation, participants can be assured that all information shared is independent, appropriate and meaningful.

Clacks Cook and Connect – Cookery Program

David, the Centre’s Cook, continues to stir up both excitement and confidence through our cookery programme. Since January, David has also played a key role in launching one of the Centre’s newest community initiatives – Clacks Cook and Connect, which officially began on 12 February in partnership with the Clackmannan Development Trust Family Fun Day.

Building on our established cookery classes, the project offers twice-weekly one-to-one cooking sessions for people with sight and/or hearing loss, alongside monthly group sessions. Participants are supported with adapted equipment, accessible resources and specialist guidance to help them prepare healthy, affordable meals while developing confidence and independence in the kitchen.

The project has already seen David and colleagues out in the community delivering engaging sessions, including preparing hearty soups alongside healthy fruit kebabs and wraps for members of the Clackmannanshire community. Since launch, activities have taken place across a range of venues including Sauchie Resource Centre, Sauchie Hall and Clackmannan Guide and Scout Hall.

Partnership working has been a key feature of the programme, including collaboration with CTSI at a family drop-in event focused on healthy eating, which was featured in the local press. Additional highlights include two Easter sessions in April and a Sauchie Active 8 family session which attracted over 30 participants.

Living Well with Sight Loss

The Centre continues to deliver its Living Well with Sight Loss course, led by Sight loss Ambassador, Laura Cluxton, supporting individuals to build confidence, maintain independence and access the right support following sight loss.

The course provides practical advice and guidance across a range of topics, including benefits, staying independent, helpful technology, eye health, and maintaining hobbies and interests. It offers a supportive space for participants to share experiences and learn strategies to navigate daily life with sight loss.

The most recent course ran on 14th & 21st April.

Courses have been planned once a quarter, with additional 2026 dates on:

• 11th & 18th August
• 10th & 17th November

Feedback from participants continues to be extremely positive, highlighting the value of the course in improving confidence, knowledge and overall wellbeing, with one course participant saying  “Lots of information, so I am feeling it’s not that bad now.  People are there to help.  I thought I would just get worse and worse but there is support out there.  I enjoyed the company, the future is not as bad as it seemed I am looking forward to stuff now.”

Youth Engagement and Activities

Youth Activities

Youth engagement continues to grow, with an expanding range of activities and strong participation. One of the most successful recent developments has been the launch of the Dungeons & Dragons (DnD) group in February.

The group now runs monthly at the Centre with five regular members, and sessions have been consistently well attended. What began as a well-received first session has quickly developed into a popular and engaging activity, with participants showing increasing enthusiasm and creativity as sessions progress.

Interest in the group continues to grow, and discussions are already underway about establishing a second group to meet demand.

Partnership Work

The Centre has delivered a variety of sensory awareness sessions in collaboration with youth organisations, including:

• LGBT Youth Scotland (BSL-focused session)
• 62nd Larbert Beavers (including Guide Dog awareness)
• Falkirk Beavers and Guides
• Sauchie Active 8

These sessions continue to promote understanding of sensory loss and inclusive communication.

Windsor Park School Engagement

On 2 April, pupils and staff from Windsor Park School visited the Centre as part of their steering group. During the visit, they proudly contributed to the Centre’s 20th birthday celebrations by writing personal messages on clay hearts and adding them to the Tree of Life display.

The pupils also marked the milestone anniversary by taking part in a “20 for 20” challenge, committing to complete an activity for 20 minutes a day over 20 days, demonstrating enthusiasm and strong engagement with the celebrations.

Another highlight was the much-loved Duckling Day celebration. Pupils were given five duck eggs to care for, and once hatched, they hosted a special event at the school. Staff and Centre users were invited to join an afternoon of duck-themed activities, creating a fun and inclusive shared experience. David also contributed to the celebrations by providing nest-themed cakes topped with mini eggs, which were enjoyed by all.

Sensory Awareness Workshops

From January to April, staff and volunteers engaged with over 350 young people across schools, colleges and community groups.

High Schools

• St Mungo’s High School
• Alloa Academy
• Falkirk High School

Primary Schools

• Carronshore Primary
• Clackmannan Primary
• Antonine Primary
• East Plean Primary
• Banchory Primary

Youth Groups and Organisations

• Falkirk Guides and Beavers
• Sauchie Active 8
• LGBT Youth Scotland

Further Education and Training

• Forth Valley College (Nursing students)
• Oasis Wellbeing Group
• CTSI Volunteer Management Forum

Workshops continue to play a key role in raising awareness of sensory loss, accessibility, and communication methods.

Community Engagement and Outreach

Organisational Partnerships

The Centre has engaged with a wide range of organisations to expand training and collaboration opportunities, including:

• Falkirk and Clackmannanshire Carers Centre
• Scottish Union of Supported Employment (SUSE)
• Advice Direct Scotland (ADS)
• Oasis Wellbeing Group
• Mum’s the Word (Sauchie)
• Hawkhill Community Centre
• Active Stirling
• Street Soccer
• Vision PK
• The Hive youth group
• My Academic Family
• Eye Clinic (Falkirk Community Hospital)

Future sessions and collaborations are planned across 2026.

Volunteering

Volunteering continues to play a vital role in the life of the Centre, with growing involvement across activities, projects and community engagement.

We are pleased to have welcomed several new volunteers in recent months, bringing fresh skills, perspectives and enthusiasm to our work. Volunteers have been particularly instrumental in supporting the delivery of our Sensory Awareness Workshops, sharing their lived experiences and helping to deepen understanding of sensory loss among children, young people and community groups. Their contribution has been invaluable as demand for these sessions continues to grow.

Our volunteers have also been actively involved in environmental and community-based projects. Despite a slow start to the gardening season due to poor weather, the team is now back in full swing. The kitchen garden has been fully planted, and work is underway to enhance the sensory garden with a variety of fragrant flowers. In addition, volunteers contributed to orchard planting at the Falkirk Wheel as part of the Scottish Canals Green Canopy project, helping to create a lasting community resource.

Partnership working has further strengthened the volunteer programme. Volunteers supported Forth Environment Link in developing a report on sustainable and rewarding volunteering across Forth Valley, helping to shape future approaches in this area.

We have also continued to build connections with education partners. A sensory awareness session was delivered for activity coordinators at Stirling University to support accessibility across student activities. In addition, we are currently hosting a psychology student who is undertaking a volunteer audit, providing valuable insights into volunteer experiences and helping to inform future development.  If you’re a volunteer or Centre user and would like to have your say and haven’t had the chance yet, let us know.

The impact of volunteering at the Centre has also been recognised externally. We are delighted that trustee and long-term Centre user Ian Carmichael has been nominated for Trustee of the Year at the Stirling Voluntary Enterprise Awards 2026. FVSC has been shortlisted for the Health and Wellbeing Award at the CVS Awards, with the Knit and Natter “Handmade with Love” project nominated for the Community Led Action Award.

We remain committed to developing our volunteer programme and welcome anyone interested in getting involved to get in touch.

Funding Bids

We have submitted a steady stream of funding bids over the last few months, including applications to support our IT Classes, Ukulele Group, tutor costs and provision of a Tinnitus Support Group. We are awaiting the outcome of these applications and will update in due course.

Our latest funding success was through the Falkirk Council Community Choice Awards. FVSC applied to this, asking for votes to support our project, creating a new accessible seating area in the ground surrounding the Centre. This new seating area will be in the public area next to our Sensory Garden, giving people a welcoming and accessible outdoor space to relax in, even when the Centre is closed.

Thanks to all the support received from people across Falkirk, our project received the highest number of votes within the local area and we have been awarded nearly £5000 to make it happen. We are really looking forward to getting the groundwork started and seeing the area come to life. We hope the accessible seating area will be completed by the summer months, giving locals a chance to enjoy it whilst the sun is shining.

SustainAble for All – Eco-Trail Project

The Centre proudly co-delivered the SustainAble for All project in partnership with FEL Scotland (Forth Environment Link), funded by the Scottish Government Climate Engagement Fund. This collaborative initiative brought together partners from across the Forth Valley to develop an accessible Eco-trail Map, promoting climate action and environmental awareness.

The digital Green Map showcases 30 locations across the region, highlighting community projects, environmentally friendly practices, and local stories. Each participating organisation has received toolkits highlighting best practice around sight and hearing loss, ensuring that information and resources presented are accessible.

As part of the project, Centre volunteer Jean contributed by sharing her experiences supporting the Centre’s kitchen garden. Her work demonstrates sustainable practices such as recycling, reducing food miles, and developing partnerships with local businesses to support environmentally responsible approaches.

The project culminated in a launch event on 31 March at Stirling Barracks, where partners came together to share learning, celebrate achievements, and take part in inclusive activities, including the opportunity to try accessible duo bikes.

Here is a link to the SustainAble for All Green Map:  Forth Valley Accessible Eco-Trail Map | GreenMap.org.  We’d love to hear your thoughts.

What’s New and Coming Up

Planned activities include:

• Summer canal boat trips on the Jaggy Thistle
• Book Club outing to The Archers Live at 75
• Adaptive cycling project in partnership with FEL Scotland
• Development of summer music workshops

Centre Attendance Figures

	Feb	Mar	Apr (up to 23/04/26)
Groups	736	772	661
Sensory Room	142	183	119
Clinics	212	166	154
Cafe	725	793	704

 

Summary

The past few months have demonstrated strong progress across all areas of the Centre’s work, alongside exciting plans to mark our 20th anniversary. Celebratory initiatives such as the Tree of Life, upcoming yarn bombing project, and anniversary events are already generating meaningful community involvement and raising awareness of the Centre’s impact.

Our core activities and groups continue to thrive, with positive engagement across programmes including the Men’s Sensory Group, accessible yoga sessions, and creative and musical opportunities. New and expanding projects such as Tap into Tech and Clacks Cook and Connect are enhancing digital inclusion and independent living skills, while the Living Well with Sight Loss course continues to receive excellent feedback for its impact on confidence and wellbeing.

Youth engagement and sensory awareness work remain a key strength, with over 350 young people reached through workshops and partnerships with schools and community organisations. At the same time, our volunteer programme continues to grow, playing a vital role in service delivery, environmental projects, and community outreach.

Strong partnership working, successful funding outcomes, and ongoing programme development position the Centre well for the future. As we celebrate 20 years, we remain focused on building inclusive opportunities, expanding our reach, and continuing to support individuals and communities across Forth Valley.

Jacquie Winning MBE
CEO, Forth Valley Sensory Centre

April 2026