A Solihull charity supporting people with additional needs is appealing for donations after its vital transport van broke down just as it prepares for its busiest season of the year.

SeN Zone, which provides sensory equipment, activities and inclusive events for SEND families, has launched a GoFundMe fundraiser to help cover running costs and repairs to the vehicle.

Founder, Samantha Cookson, said the appeal was originally set up to help with day-to-day costs such as insurance, website fees, HMRC charges and accountancy costs, but the charity's van then failed to start on the very morning the fundraiser was launched.

The van plays a key role in transporting sensory equipment, toys and tents used to create safe and calming spaces for children at community events.

"This is more than a van to us," Samantha said.

"It helps transport all the sensory equipment, toys and tents that we use to create a safe and calming space for our children to use and play in at our events.

"We also turn the van into a mobile sensory space for community events to help those who struggle in busy environments to come and relax in."

She said the vehicle is especially important in the months ahead, helping collect pumpkins for the charity's annual pumpkin patch and decorations for its Santa's grotto events.

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While SeN Zone has received grant funding to help subsidise activities, Samantha said it does not cover everyday running costs or unexpected expenses such as vehicle breakdowns.

She added: "We generally don't ask for help as we feel SEND families have so much on that I don't want to put more pressure on them, but if we can't raise some money I fear we will lose the community we have built over the past three years.

"It's a place where families can get together, have fun in an inclusive environment, children can be themselves, and parents can find comfort and support with each other."

"I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has donated already we really do appreciate it!

"Thank you."

To donate to the cause, click here.