Sense Felixstowe

10/10/2026

Hello lovely Felixstowe folk and welcome to the weekend with us here at Sense Felixstowe 😀
Things are getting spooky here as we approach all hallows eve and we have plenty of treats without the tricks for you to peruse and with our bargain prices it is definitely NOT a horror show for your wallet 👻
So hop on your broomstick and come on in and bag a bargain 🧙‍♀️
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With the October half term in mind and with a definite nip in the air we have had a little move around of the children's area including a Blue Cross Sale rail and we have stocked up on the winter woollies and accessories across all departments so come and see us soon. 🍂🍂🧥🧣🧤🥶
Remember come rain or shine you are guaranteed a warm friendly welcome here at Sense Felixstowe 😊 and we can't wait to meet you and I promise not to turn anybody into a frog... well maybe just the one! 🧙‍♀️🐸

09/10/2026

Today the UK government published their independent review into mental health conditions, autism and ADHD.

James Watson-O’Neill, chief executive of the national disability charity Sense, said:

“Many of the disabled people with complex needs Sense supports are autistic, have ADHD or mental health conditions. Every day, we hear about the barriers they face getting the right support to learn, stay well and find work.

“We should welcome greater recognition and understanding of these conditions, rather than criticising people and families for seeking answers and support.

“For too many disabled people and families, getting a diagnosis has become the only way to access the understanding, adjustments and support they need. People shouldn't have to wait for a diagnosis before getting the support they need.

“We strongly welcome the review's recommendation that support should be based on individual need, rather than diagnosis alone. The Government must now put this principle into practice across education, healthcare, social care and welfare, so disabled people can get the right support at the right time.

“It's also vital that disabled people with the most complex needs aren't overlooked. We welcome the review's focus on better national data and specialist provision for this group. These services must be protected and strengthened as wider reforms are taken forward.

“Ultimately, success shouldn't be measured by the number of diagnoses or shorter waiting lists alone, but by whether disabled people have a better quality of life, more choice and control, and the opportunity to participate fully in education, work, relationships and their communities.”

06/10/2026

Support Sense when you shop at Decathlon UK this October.

As Decathlon UK's Charity of the Year, we're proud to be partnering to support more disabled people with complex needs to access inclusive sport and physical activity.

When you reach the checkout, you'll have the option to make a donation to Sense. Every donation, no matter how small, can help fund life-changing support and inclusive activities that build confidence, improve wellbeing and reduce isolation.

So, next time you're shopping at Decathlon, please consider adding a donation when you pay.

Together, we can break down barriers so everyone has the power, choice and control to live the life they choose.

02/10/2026

Reports today suggest the government is considering a range of major welfare reforms, including changes to the Universal Credit health element for under-25s alongside increased employment support. These are reported proposals and no decisions have been announced.

Sense is clear: disabled young people should get the support they need to find and stay in work – but not at the expense of their financial security.

We must also recognise that some disabled people will never be able to work. They must have the financial security and support they need to live with choice, dignity and independence.

Government must remove the barriers disabled young people face, not the vital support they rely on.

https://bit.ly/3VoRbFs

02/10/2026

Meet our friend Rosie! She recently smashed our sports day at our Leeds and Wakefield Centre!

From table tennis, snooker and basketball, to badminton and cycling – Rosie and her friends loved getting sporty.

There was energy, enthusiasm and smiles from start to finish, with the fun-filled day leaving a lasting impression.

Emily, the service manager, said: "It was a fantastic day! It was so good to enjoy new activities that we'd not tried before, in our own space. We were all still buzzing about it days after. "

A huge well done to everyone who got involved and helped to make it such a fantastic afternoon.

01/10/2026

The Sense Awards 2026 shortlist is here!

It's the 23rd Sense Awards, our annual celebration of disabled people with complex needs and the communities around them.

We received incredible nominations this year, and our judges had the difficult job of choosing the shortlist. Our judges are broadcast journalist and actor Ruben Reuter, and our Experts by Experience Charlotte, Emma and Scott.

Meet the nominees in each category:
Person of the Year
Young Person of the Year
Family of the Year
Campaigner of the Year
Fundraiser of the Year
Volunteer of the Year
Digital Voice of the Year

Their stories are full of courage, determination, kindness and joy. Congratulations to every one of them.

Winners are announced in November on our social media channels so be sure to check back!

Read about the 2026 nominees here: https://www.sense.org.uk/get-involved/sense-awards/sense-awards-2026-shortlist/

30/09/2026

We’re back home from the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool, and what a few days it’s been!

This year, Levi, a second-year student at Sense College Loughborough, came along with us. He met with Alan Milburn, who’s leading an independent government review into rising youth unemployment, to talk about his college experience and his plans for the future.

Levi also spoke brilliantly and shared his experiences on a panel called ‘Education for all – how can mainstream inclusion work for disabled children?’

And he still found time to film his experience and share why it’s important for disabled young people with complex needs to have their voices heard and be part of these conversations.

Thank you Levi for coming along, sharing your story and ensuring disabled young people are included in discussions about their education and futures.

You can read more of Levi's story here: https://www.sense.org.uk/blog/taking-my-voice-to-the-labour-party-conference-levis-story/

[Video description: Levi is wearing a purple Sense polo shirt and answers questions directly to camera with a view across the River Mersey behind him. The video also includes shots from throughout the conference including of Levi speaking on a panel, smiling and receiving a round of applause, Levi meeting Alan Milburn, Levi and his mum, Jackie with Sense CEO, James Watson-O'Neill, and shots of a busy conference centre with Labour Party branding.]

29/09/2026

We welcome the Prime Minister’s commitment to reforming social care and the ambition to make it free at the point of use.

This is a significant moment for disabled people, families and social care workers. Their voices, experiences and expertise must be at the heart of what comes next.

Now we need action alongside ambition, with investment in the care workforce and support services today, while longer-term reforms are developed. Done well, this is an opportunity to build a social care system that helps everyone live more independent, connected and fulfilling lives.

We stand ready to work with government, alongside disabled people, families, care workers, to help build a national care service that works for everyone.

29/09/2026

Great discussion on the future of social care at the Labour Party Conference fringe event: ‘A National Care Service: From Vision to Delivery’.

Thank you to Fabian Society and Joseph Rowntree Foundation for hosting.

James Watson-O'Neill, CEO of Sense, joined Alison McGovern MP, Minister of State for Care, and fellow panellists to discuss how a National Care Service can deliver more personalised, preventative and sustainable support.

At Sense, we believe social care reform must give disabled people with complex needs greater choice, control and independence. Support should be built around people, not systems, with co-production at its heart.

28/09/2026

We’re at Labour Party Conference this week.

It’s an important opportunity for us to meet with politicians and key decision-makers, and to make sure the voices of disabled people with complex needs are heard.

As well as our CEO, James, and our policy team, we’re joined at the conference by Levi and his mum, Jackie.

Levi is in his second year at Sense College Loughborough and is passionate about raising awareness of the support young people like him need to access education, training, volunteering opportunities and employment.

Here’s what Levi had to say about why being at conference matters to him: "It feels important [to be here]. I've never been to a conference before, but everyone is here to listen to you, and to try and get your voice out into the community and the world, and make everything better."

Pictured - Levi and his mum, Jackie, with Sense CEO James Watson-O'Neill and Alan Milburn. Former Labour health secretary Alan Milburn is leading an independent government review into rising youth unemployment

27/09/2026

The government have announced that thousands of young disabled people are set to be offered a fast-tracked job under the Jobs Guarantee.

We welcome investment that gives more young disabled people the opportunity to get into work.

Too many who want to work are still locked out by barriers, including a lack of appropriate support, inaccessible workplaces and negative attitudes.

These jobs must be accessible, work for the individual and lead to lasting opportunities. Young disabled people need tailored support and inclusive workplaces, and success should be measured not just by how many start a job, but whether they have the support and opportunities to build the future they choose.

Read more here -
https://www.itv.com/news/2026-09-26/thousands-of-disabled-young-people-to-be-offered-work-in-job-guarantee-scheme

31/08/2026

Hello Felixstowe 👋
Well it's the last bankholiday before Christmas 🎄 😁 and we are open and waiting to greet you with lots of bargains for you to peruse and with open arms to receive your donations of fabulous preloved goodies - dont forget to say a massive YES! to Giftaid as it makes such a huge difference to our charity and takes seconds to do and costs you nothing!
We also have a diddy collection box on the counter for you to pop in your loose change (whatever you can spare 💖) to help us with our stores weekly challenge to fill it to the arrow which in 5p for example covers the cost of a small sensory toy! Can you help us? You will quite literally be helping us light up a child's life 💝
We can't wait to meet you all so come on in to town enjoy all the lovely shops and eateries have a wonderful day and pop in and say hi 👋 and you never know you might just find that special thing that you didn't even know you needed and at a bargain price to boot!
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16/08/2026

Hello Felixstowe 👋
I hope you are all having a super weekend 🌞⛱️ 💜🧡💜🧡
Well folks we have moved into the property business as we have a part furnished delightful home here for you to buy! No lease no mortgage no chain bit of diy to do but that's reflected in the asking price! Only catch is you have to be very (very!) small 😂🏠
The lovely dolls house is yours for £40.
We also have a lovely wooden play kitchen plus lots of other toys books and games as we approach the final few weeks of the summer holidays - it's ok mum's and dad's (not forgetting nannas and grandpops) you have made it over the halfway mark just hang on it will soon be over 😩 😊 then it's count down to Christmas 😱😱😱😂😂😂😂😂
So come on in and pick up a bargain - drop off your donations and don't forget to treat yourselves as you're doing great 👍 🎖
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Talking off donations we are in need of quality clothing Summer & Autumn 🍂 mens and ladies fashions and kids school uniform. Also on our wish list is shoes, handbags and luggage, costume jewellery and accessories and any good condition media.
Thanks in advance and remember to say a big YES! to Giftaid as it makes such a huge difference to our charity and takes seconds to do and costs you nothing. ☺️
Looking forward to seeing you all soon until then remember sunscreen and drink plenty of water 💧 🌞🌡

21/07/2026

Good evening lovely Felixstowe folk 👋
Well how are you enjoying the school holiday? How many times have they told you they are bored 🤔 or are they still your little angels!
Bless them!
Well at Sense Felixstowe we have lots of bargains to keep them busy and happy without you having to spend a fortune so pop in and take a look at what we have in store and while your here why don't you treat yourself to a little something as our bargains are not just restricted to the little people 😉 you deserve to be pampered too 😊
All the high street brands you know and trust in clothes, shoes, accessories, books, music, bric-a-brac and obviously toys, puzzles and games 😁
Come and see us soon!
We can't wait to meet you.

18/07/2026

☆Sense Felixstowe☆

We are in need of good quality clothing donations 🤔 can you help?
Please come and see us with all of your items soon 🤩
And don't forget to say YES to Gift-Aid

P.S. If donating football shirts please wash the tear stains off first 😢

😂 sorry too soon 😔

17/07/2026

☆☆☆☆URGENT ☆☆☆☆
This is an urgent call out to anyone over the age of 16 to come along and join our team here at Sense Felixstowe.
The summer holidays are a particularly busy time for us as many of our current volunteers take time out for holidays and childcare commitments. No experience necessary as training given. Gain experience, confidence and boost your CV. Socialising, meeting a variety of people across all age groups, community engagement and being part of a team is great for your mental health and general wellbeing and you are helping a fantastic charity to continue to work with and support the special individuals with complex needs and their families that depend on us.
Pop in for a chat or drop me a dm or call the shop on 01394 672377.

04/07/2026

04/07/2026

Hello lovely folk of Felixstowe and welcome to another glorious weekend at Sense Felixstowe 😀 😎 🌞🏖
We have lots of great preloved and new items in store for you to pick up for a fabulous price!
🌟There is a fantastic offer on children's clothes that must come to an end soon so be quick and grab a superb selection of kids clobber at 3 for £1 🤯 that's all kids clothes in all sizes but it's a limited time offer - it has 1 week left to run so hurry along and kit out your tribe just in time for the school summer holidays 😀 from baby to teenagers there is something for everyone! Snap it up while stocks last!
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☆☆☆☆URGENT APPEAL ☆☆☆☆
We urgently need your donations especially of ladies summer clothing, quality footwear, handbags, costume jewellery and accessories.
Other items such as menswear, household essentials be it linens or bric-a-brac, paperback fiction in good condition, dvds, cds, vinyl and computer games (any consol type) would be great aswell 👍
When asked please please please say a huge YES to Gift-aid as it takes seconds to do and makes a huge difference to us. Be the person to make a difference today ❤️.
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Looking forward to meeting you soon.

21/06/2026

☀️☀️☀️Hello Felixstowe 👋 ☀️☀️☀️
Out for a stroll on this super sunny Sunday 🌞 then why not pop in to see us at Sense Felixstowe as we have some fabulous deals for you!
There's the 3 for £1 super sale on all kids clothes with ALL brands and all ages included in this amazing offer this is a "while stocks last" event so come on in or you will miss out - when it's gone it's gone!
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We have also just launched our Sense-sational summer fundraising fortnight with our famous and as always fabulous summer Tombola 🥳
Tickets are just £1 for 5 chances to win 🏆 so come on in and join the fun 😁
We are always pleased to meet you and would love to see you win a great treat!
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We are open for donations and we would especially like any ladies summer wear, bags, shoes and other accessories as well as costume jewellery and bric-a-brac.
Remember to say a huge YES to Gift-aid and be the person to make a difference today!