Changes are happening to the JIGSAW SENsory Lending Library from 1 March 2025. These changes will enable us to try some new approaches to expand the use of more than 500 items in our library, ranging from toys to disability aids to books. We have a particular focus on items that address sensory and other additional needs, hence the SEN in SENsory.
We want to make sure that we’re using our charity’s resources where they’re most needed, and that sometimes means changing how we offer our services. We’ve found that fewer members are using the online borrowing system for our SENsory Lending Library, so we will be returning to a paper-based system.
Members who have been with us for a long time may remember that, prior to moving into our current venue in St Mary Centre, we hosted the SENsory Lending Library in a church hall once a month until this was forced to stop due to covid-19. We were very excited to re-open in September 2022 with an online service that we hoped would make the Lending Library more accessible for busy families. Big thanks are owed to Ben from Dataclear for working with us to produce customised software that met our needs and fit in with the rest of our online presence. It was a somewhat long process, for which he generously did not charge us any upfront fees.
Unfortunately, not many members are using our online SENsory Lending Library now. As a charity, we are very conscious of using our finite resources wisely to maximise the impact for our members, and we have decided that the best way to do that is to revert back to a paper-based system. We think that this may actually be easier for those of us who only have time to think about borrowing when they’re already at one of our services at the JIGSAW venue.
These changes don’t mean we’re giving up on this service! We have a large stock of varied and extremely useful items that can have a big benefit for many families. One of JIGSAW Thornbury’s values is innovation – we always aim to adapt to keep our services current and relevant for members. We aim to use them more at our group sessions and to engage more with the local community. Stay posted for more news in the coming months, or feel free to contact us if you’re interested in getting involved.
In the meantime, our monthly Saturday drop in sessions are continuing as usual, and we are always happy to answer any questions. Check our events page to find out when the next Saturday SENsory Lending Library session is happening.
You can find full information for our SENsory Lending Library service and view the catalogue of items anytime by clicking on the button below.
Click here