A COUPLE who are hoping to create the UKs first Sensory Bus, for use in helping people with disabilities, are asking for assistance in getting their project up and running.

Having already put £15,000 of their own money into the Sensory Bus, Paul Shaw and Sylvia Williams need help in putting the finishing touches to the mobile therapeutic project, with the aim of keeping costs as low as possible for users.

The bus's interior will be based on specialist sensory rooms that use light and texture to stimulate the senses. Sensory rooms are often used in the treatment of children and adults with disabilities such as autism, dementia and ADHD or those with learning difficulties or mental illnesses.

The sensory equipment can help to develop skills such as vocalisation, motor skills, colour recognition and tracking.

Whereas these rooms are usually housed in hospitals or charities, the Sensory Bus will be able to travel to those who might struggle to get to their nearest unit.

The couple, who own a popular party bus business, got the idea when a friend pointed out that a play bus idea they had plans for would be inaccessible to children with disabilities.

Paul, 35, of Highlight Park, Barry said that after the idea was floated on their website, he was stunned by the level of interest from all over the UK.

His partner Sylvia said: “Although the bus will be accessible to all, it will be of great benefit to disabled children and adults as a therapy.

"The bus can be hired by anyone who wants to use it, but cost will depend on how much help we get financially. Donations will help to reduce the hire cost for the user.

"It is different to other therapy units because it can be taken directly to the users, making access easier and more flexible for people to receive the vital therapy that they need.

"There are a few sensory rooms that we know of in the area, either run by the NHS or by charities; however they are not accessible to all.”

Paul and Sylvia are hoping for financial donations for the bus, with anyone who assists getting their name painted onto the back of the vehicle as a thank you, and are also hoping for donations of equipment such as bubble tubes, fibre optic lighting, hand held musical instruments, big bean bags, disco lights, glitter balls, rope lights, toys that talk or light up, hand puppets, textured balls, sound balls or light up balls, and tactile toys.

Anything that could be used to awaken the senses of sight, smell, touch and hearing would be of huge benefit to the people using the bus.

Paul and Sylvia are hoping to have the bus ready in time for Christmas and will need to raise a further £3,000 in order to do so.

If you can help in any way you can contact Sylvia Williams by email on sylvia1974@icloud.com.