Sometimes, the smallest grants make the biggest impact. As you know, we love hearing about projects that make a real difference in the lives of our military families. That’s why we were so excited to award a £500 grant to British Forces Gibraltar for a fantastic and much-needed initiative.
A trip to the doctors or getting a vaccination can be a stressful experience for anyone, especially for little ones. This can be even more challenging for children with additional needs. The team at BFGib Medical Centre saw this and wanted to create a solution.
They asked parents at their weekly group what would help them, and the feedback was loud and clear: a sensory play area! The parents explained how a calm, distracting space could make a world of difference for their children, not only before or after appointments but also as a way to help them settle down after a scary vaccination.
And so, with a little help from the NAAFI Fund, they’ve created just that! This small grant was used to create a dedicated sensory corner within the Medical Centre. Soft lighting, calming sounds, and engaging toys that are perfect for distraction. It’s a space where children can feel safe, a place where a visit to the doctor’s office becomes a little less daunting.
We’re incredibly proud to support this project. It’s a perfect example of a community identifying a need and taking a simple, effective step to meet it. This new sensory area will not only help children with additional needs but will also provide a much-needed calming space for any child visiting the Medical Centre.
We often hear from the families who benefit from these grants, and their feedback is what truly brings these projects to life. Hearing their words reminds us why even a small grant can have a huge impact.
Here’s what some parents are saying about the new sensory area:
“It was really great, [my child] was mesmerised by it all and loved it. I think it is such a brilliant resource.”
“Good fun, calming to start with then great fun exploring.”
The NAAFI Fund provides grants to help transform lives, whether it’s through new welfare and fitness equipment, refurbished living spaces, or improved recreational facilities. We’re here to help you get the funding you need to enhance your quality of life.
If you have a welfare project in mind, we want to hear about it! Get in touch to find out how the NAAFI Fund can help bring your vision to life. Contact us for more info on how to apply @naafisocial
