Simon’s Heroes is proud to have supported Saxon Hill Academy in Lichfield by funding and helping to transform a spare room into a vibrant new sensory space for their Sleepover Club.
Saxon Hill Academy is a specialist school for children aged 2–19 with physical disabilities, complex medical needs, and associated learning difficulties. Their Sleepover Club offers short-break residential stays, providing vital respite for families and a safe, enriching environment for pupils to socialise and develop independence.
When Residential Head of Care, Steve Baker, reached out to us seeking support for refurbishing the sensory room, we were eager to help. Sleepover Club operates on a tight budget and relies on fundraising and donations to enhance the provision that pupils access.
Simon’s Heroes provided £4,000 worth of sensory equipment, furniture, and décor. Our volunteers also rolled up their sleeves to redecorate the room, ensuring it was ready to welcome the new equipment and, most importantly, the children.
This new sensory space is more than just a room—it’s a haven designed to stimulate, calm, and engage pupils with a variety of sensory needs. The Sleepover Club accommodates up to 42 pupils per week in its 14-bed facility, offering each child a guaranteed one-night stay per week for six months. It’s the only provision of its kind in the local area, making it an essential service for many families.
Charlotte Abbott, Chairman, Simon’s Heroes, said: ‘We’re honoured to have played a part in enhancing this unique facility and supporting the incredible work of the Saxon Hill team. Thank you to all of our members who gave their time to help decorate the room.’
Steve Baker, Residential Head of Care, Saxon Hill, said: ‘Sleepover Club are incredibly grateful for all the support that Simon’s Heroes have given us in the development of our sensory room. From the first contact, Simon’s Heroes were eager to help and support us and shared our vision in how we wanted to develop our sensory room. The volunteers turned this into reality by giving up their time to come and decorate the room and source the fantastic sensory resources that have brought the room to life. Our sensory room is now much loved and used every day by our pupils as a calming environment, a place to relax, socialise with friends and explore their senses through the different tactile resources and lights. Simon’s Heroes – Thank you! You are all amazing and have transformed an area beyond our dreams!’
To learn more about their mission and the Sleepover Club, visit their website: Saxon Hill Academy.
