Help Fund The Fidget Bus: A Mobile Learning Centre for Children with SPD
Imagine being a parent, watching your child struggle daily in a classroom that feels too loud, too bright, too overwhelming. Imagine being told your child doesn’t ‘focus’ or ‘fit in’ when the reality is that the traditional learning environment simply isn’t made for them. For many families in our community here in Devon, UK, this is the heartbreaking reality in our schools.
So, we’re setting out to change that.
We’re The Fidget Project, a not-for-profit, Community Interest Company (CIC), co-founded by Lynne Tarrab-Snooks and Helen-Jane Ridgeway.
We're on a mission to bring much-needed therapeutic learning resources to children with Sensory Processing Differences (SPD).
Specialised spaces are few and far between, and the assessment waiting lists can be three years long or more.
We believe every child deserves a place where they can learn, thrive, and feel safe being themselves. That’s why we’re launching The Fidget Bus – to raise awareness and offer support to families in our community.
But we need your help to get this vital project on the road.
We’re raising £50,000 to convert a bus into a purpose-built sensory education hub, complete with an Occupational Therapist specialising in SPD. The Fidget Bus will travel across Devon, bringing accessible, engaging, and inclusive learning to the children who need it most.
Why The Fidget Bus?
Children with sensory differences often experience the world in a way that typical classrooms simply can’t accommodate or fund. Harsh lights, constant noise, crowded spaces – these can all lead to sensory overload, anxiety, and shutdowns. As a result, many of these children fall behind academically, are withdrawn from mainstream education, or are mislabelled as ‘disruptive’ and removed from lessons altogether.
Currently, there is a huge gap in Devon’s resources for families navigating these challenges and support and funding is limited. Specialised spaces are few and far between. For rural communities in particular, help can feel completely out of reach.
The Fidget Bus changes that.
What Will It Offer?
This isn’t just a bus – it’s enjoyable access to learning. The Fidget Bus will be:
- Sensory-safe: Designed with calming colours, noise-reducing materials, and customisable lighting
- Fully-equipped: Stocked with sensory tools, adaptive learning materials, and tactile play equipment
- Flexible and mobile: Able to visit multiple schools throughout the South Hams Community and Education Southwest Trust in Devon, across multiple schools and community hubs.
- Run by specialists: Staffed by trained educators and therapists who understand the unique needs of neurodiverse children
The Impact
Your donation will directly support local families in Devon who often feel forgotten or excluded by giving their children with SPD a way to access and be included in education. The Fidget Bus will:
- Help children reconnect with education in a way that honours their need
- Support parents and teachers who feel overwhelmed and alone in the system
- Create a stronger, more inclusive community where every child has the chance to shine and thrive
Your Part…
We can’t build this without you. Every pound you donate brings us closer to providing a desperately-needed, under-funded service for children who deserve more than just ‘coping’ – they deserve joy, discovery, and dignity in how they learn.
Whether you’re a parent, educator, ally, or simply someone who believes in equal opportunities for all children, please consider supporting The Fidget Bus. Help us give your children the environment they need – and the future they deserve.
Let’s make a difference - support The Fidget Project for children with Sensory Processing Differences
Donate today. Share our story. Drive change.
