Bringing calm and comfort to Phoebe’s everyday life

Community Link Foundation is proud to support nine-year-old Phoebe with a grant that will make a meaningful difference to her everyday life.

Phoebe is autistic and also lives with sensory processing disorder and severe misophonia. Everyday sounds that many of us barely notice can be overwhelming for her, making it extremely difficult to be around people for prolonged periods of time. As a result, Phoebe often needs to eat alone and spends much of her time outdoors, where she feels safer, calmer and more regulated.

After being home educated for the past 12 months, Phoebe has recently moved to a very small special school. While this transition is a positive step, managing sensory overload remains a daily challenge. However, being able to use a swing brings Phoebe consistent comfort and joy.

Phoebe’s mum, Lynsey, explained how important this simple activity is to her daughter’s wellbeing:

“Swinging really helps Phoebe regulate herself. When she’s on a swing, she’s calm, happy and settled – it’s one of the few times she feels completely at ease. We spend hours at the park when we can, but having a swing at home means she can feel that sense of calm every day.”

Unfortunately, the cost of installing a heavy-duty sensory swing at home, including the specialist equipment and safe installation, was beyond the family’s means. Without this support, Phoebe faced increased dysregulation, meltdowns, and the emotional strain of feeling ‘stuck’ indoors when she most needs space and movement.

Thanks to this grant from Community Link Foundation, Phoebe now has her own sensory swing in the garden – a safe, familiar space where she can self-regulate and unwind.

Enda Rylands, Chair of Community Link Foundation, said:

“This grant is a perfect example of how relatively small amounts of funding can have a life-changing impact. For Phoebe, a swing isn’t just play equipment, it’s a vital tool for her wellbeing, emotional regulation and happiness. We’re incredibly pleased to be able to support her and her family.”

Grants like this are only possible thanks to the generosity of Community Link Foundation’s supporters, sponsors and fundraisers. Every donation helps us to support local people.