A CHARITY is promoting its online programme of "fun and supportive group sessions" after a little girl from Colwyn Bay living sight loss benefited from it.

The free sessions, designed to help children develop a broad range of skills and encourage them to use their non-visual senses, are run by Guide Dogs Cymru.

Each one is based around a sensory story and includes songs, movement and related activities.

Danielle Forbes took part with her Matilda who is 22 months old.

Danielle said: “I was quite nervous about doing a class online, and I think I was a bit naive in thinking Matilda wouldn’t benefit from it as it wasn’t face-to-face.

“She did get distracted at times with her toys, and I found it difficult to keep her engaged at the beginning, but she would listen tentatively when she heard her name or a song she liked. After a couple of sessions, she definitely anticipated and recognised the songs.

“Matilda loves music and dancing. We did a bit of massage, on-body signing, sensory stories with props and lots of singing and dancing. It was nice to have a routine and something to look forward to with groups not running and being in lockdown. It would be great to be able to do the classes face-to-face eventually.

“Not only did Matilda benefit from the sessions but it was nice for me to be able to speak to other parents who were in the same position and understand.”

My Time To Play resumes virtual sessions on September 9, continuing every Thursday for seven weeks.

Two programmes will run simultaneously, with each able to accommodate six families. Face-to-face sessions will be reintroduced in 2022.

To find out more, visit www.guidedogs.org.uk or ring Guideline on 0800 781 1444.

The website also offers advice to support, not only a child with sight loss, but a whole family.

Sections includes how to live actively, independently and well. There is also information about guide dogs.