SENsory Lending Library
Why borrow?
Specialist items are expensive and it can be hard to know where to start. Not to mention that we often don’t know if something will work for our family before we try it. That’s where the SENsory Lending Library comes in. Explore new things at home, where it feels safe, and find ideas that you had never thought of.
The name ‘SENsory’ is a combination of Special Educational Needs and ‘sensory’, which are key themes in our Library. Sensory items are important because it is common for people with additional needs to have sensory processing differences. Addressing these differences can help with brain development, learning, emotional regulation and more.
We have user guides available for items that need them, which tell you about how to safely use them and explain more about the sensory needs they address.
Still got questions? Check our FAQs or contact us using the link at the top of the page.
Open times
If you are visiting the JIGSAW Thornbury venue for another group or session, you can borrow or return items at the same time. Just make sure that you are booked on the session, see link to our event calender at the bottom of the page, and feel free to send a message in advance if there is something you would like to ask us about.
We are open during term times between Monday – Thursday, 9.30am – 2.30pm, except for bank holidays.
We also host drop in sessions on the fourth Saturday of most months, 11am – 1pm, where you can borrow and return items or chat to us about what to try. Rather than the 28th February 2026, there is a half term special session on the 21st February.
If you can’t make any of these times, or would like to talk to someone about what is available, please contact us to arrange a separate visit or chat.
How does it work?
Once a year, you sign up to our loan conditions. You can then collect and return items at the JIGSAW Thornbury venue in the St Mary’s Centre and let us know how long you want to borrow them, between 1 and 4 weeks.
You can browse our catalogue when you visit, or have a look here:
JIGSAW Thornbury SENsory Lending Library Catalogue
We would really appreciate any feedback you have about our items. You can fill in a quick form here or feel free to contact us with any other comments.
Items cost £1, £3 or £5 per week.
What’s on at JIGSAW Thornbury
We run a number of different events that can be booked for your child and training sessions for parents and carers.