Amy Henderson
Amy has been with The Sensory Place since the very beginning. She is passionate about helping others and loves animals, live music and art. Amy has been a self employed hairdresser for over 15 years bringing with her, excellent business management skills as well as a wealth of creativity. Her imaginative approach and passion for the arts shines through when planning activities and events. Amy is also parent to a beautiful daughter who was diagnosed as autistic at the age of four and who was Amy's initial motivation behind The Sensory Place. Amy has been thoroughly educated in slime making, Minecraft and Harry Potter since having her daughter! Amy has also recently been diagnosed with ADHD herself. You will find Amy and her daughter at many of The Sensory Place's events so feel free to say hello if you see her.
Lucy Horsley
Lucy also has two pet dogs and looks after lots of other dogs in her home as a dog boarder.
Ann Young
Helen Abernethy
Since joining The Sensory Place as a trustee in June 2021, Ann has played a crucial role in the continued success of the charity. Ann has had a thriving career, having worked for Northumbria Police and the NHS. She has been a foster carer for the past 12 years which she describes as something she absolutely loves.
Ann has a daughter and she currently cares for four young people who have additional needs including Autism, Sensory Processing Disorder, ADHD and FASD so has first hand experience of raising children with SEND and the challenges that both they and their parents have to overcome. Ann has been involved with The Sensory Place for several years now having taken the young people whom she cares for to past events. The Sensory Place were delighted when Ann joined as a trustee as her past experience has been invaluable in the development of the charity. Ann continues to attend activities with her young people.
In her spare time Ann enjoys relaxing at her caravan and walking the two family cockapoos!
Rebecca Follesa
Rebecca joined The Sensory Place in March 2023. Prior to this, Rebecca brought her two children, Mia and Leo along to activities and enjoyed being able to relax knowing that they were going to enjoy themselves in a safe and friendly environment. Wanting to give something back, she joined the team and as they say, the rest is history! Due to her past experience, Rebecca was able to hit the ground running and has played a key role in arranging many of our events and activities. Rebecca is relentless in her approach and is always coming up with new ideas for things to do. or ways to raise funds for us to continue to provide exciting activities.
Helen originally trained as a primary school teacher specialising in Early Years before becoming Centre Manager of an alternative education provision for KS4 children. She has a long history of working in education in various roles. and currently teaches young people with a range of special educational needs and disabilities.. Helen is the proud Mam of two children, Max and Amelie. Since having her son, who despite various tests and assessments still remains undiagnosed, she has developed a keen interest in SEND and is always looking for different ways to increase her knowledge in the field to be able to help others be the best they can be.
The Sensory Place was pleased to welcome Helen as a trustee in June 2021 and she has thoroughly enjoyed planning and arranging activities for families to enjoy.
Outside of work, Helen enjoys spending time with her family, sleeping, baking and relaxing with a glass of wine.
