Santa Storytime Grotto!
There'll be stories, singing, cookies and mince pies!!
A TYNESIDE charity is aiming to put a smile on children’s faces this Christmas with a special Santa’s Storytime Grotto experience.
Smile For Life Children’s Charity, based in Gosforth, is opening its doors for youngsters with learning difficulties or disabilities to have a magical experience where they meet Santa, listen to stories and take part in festive singing with musicians.
Santa will also award some of the children with specialist equipment such as IPads that have been requested by their families as an extra surprise.
Paula Gascoigne, Chief Executive of Smile For Life, hopes to create a safe, welcoming and magical space in Café Beam, for children who may not be able to visit mainstream Christmas Grottos due to their disability or learning difficulty.
She said: “Christmas is a very special time of year for children and we want to make sure that everyone gets the opportunity to experience the magic. To meet Santa, to dream, to have stories and sing-a-longs, and have a wonderful day with their family.
“For children with disabilities and special needs visiting a busy Santa’s Grotto in a department store can be a very daunting experience, so we want to make sure that they don’t miss out.
“Café Beam is ran by older students who have disabilities and special needs so children and families can relax and feel comfortable. We hope that the environment will be inspiring to the younger children too. We want families to come along and see what we offer here at Café Beam and to enjoy quality time together.”
Children will be given treats such as milk and cookies and a Christmas gift to take home as part of the event, and adults will be offered hot drinks and mince pies.
The charity is decking out Café Beam in Ashburton Road to host the special event over two days, from Monday December 22 – Tuesday 23rd.
Families can book a session lasting an hour on either day, from either 10am – 11am or 2pm – 3pm on a first come first served basis.
Prices are £2 per child and £3 per adult, with all cash raised going directly to the charity to help more disadvantaged children in the North East.
Anyone interested can contact the Smile For Life office on 0191 2844166.