RAF Benevolent Fund supports new sensory cabin for families at MoD Boscombe Down

The RAF Benevolent Fund was proud to recently join staff, serving personnel and families at MoD Boscombe Down to celebrate the official opening of a new Sensory Cabin, a dedicated space designed to support children with special educational needs (SEN) and their families.

Air Commodore Simon Harper, Director of Operations at the RAF Benevolent Fund, attended the event, cutting the ribbon the officially open the new space. He was joined by Whole Force personnel, families, Community Centre staff and Fund colleagues who helped bring the project to life.

Built to a high standard and thoughtfully equipped, the Sensory Cabin provides a peaceful, inclusive environment for children with sensory sensitivities, as well as stimulating experiences for babies and toddlers. Families, personnel and Community Centre staff are delighted with this new addition, which will serve as a valuable sanctuary for years to come.

During the visit, Fund staff members met with parents, carers and personnel, hearing first-hand how the new facility will enrich family life.

Simon Harper said: "The RAF Benevolent Fund is delighted to work alongside the team at MoD Boscombe Down to provide an important and much-needed enhancement to the Station’s facilities. Situated within an excellent community space, the Sensory Cabin offers a specially designed area to support children, families and carers. Above all, it provides an opportunity for families to come together in a relaxed environment and enjoy time together.

“The team at Boscombe Down has worked incredibly hard to design and deliver a fantastic facility, and the Fund is proud to help turn this ambition into tangible support for the serving family."

The Sensory Cabin was developed in response to a Community Needs Analysis, which highlighted a significant gap in local provision for SEN children. With limited specialist resources nearby, the station’s People and Families Team began exploring how best to create a dedicated, calming space where children could play, learn and regulate their senses.

The cabin cost just over £38,000 to deliver, with nearly £17,000 contributed by the RAF Benevolent Fund. Additional support was provided by the Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess, RAFA, the Community Support Fund, Hestia and the Local Initiative Grant.

Commanding Officer Squadron Leader Andrew Reid praised the collaborative effort behind the project: "The People and Families Team did excellent work pulling the research, grant applications and delivery together. This is a fine example of ‘You Said, We Did’ in response to our Community Needs Analysis, and we look forward to building on this facility to further enhance support for our community."