Mayo-based charity Sensational Kids reaches record Impact in 2025

Award-winning charity Sensational Kids, with an office in Claremorris, Co Mayo, has celebrated a major milestone with the publication of its 2025 Impact Report.

Sensational Kids provides affordable and accessible developmental therapies for children and adolescents with additional needs.

The report shows that the charity delivered a record 26,536 therapy hours, held 7,965 appointments and assessments, and supported nearly 1,000 children across its four National Child Development Centres in Mayo, Kildare, Cork, and Monaghan. 

The Claremorris centre continues to play a crucial role in addressing long waiting lists and growing demand for early intervention services.

Funding for these services comes from public support, philanthropy, and earned income, ensuring therapies remain both accessible and affordable.

Key highlights from 2025 include a total of 3,203 Occupational Therapy appointments and 1,924 Speech and Language Therapy appointments. In addition, there were 822 parent consultations and 182 educational psychology assessments conducted. The charity also reached 214 parents and educators through workshops, and families saved a total of €809,310 through subsidised services.

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The 2025 Clinical Services Survey also revealed strong outcomes, with 76.6 percent of families very satisfied, 96.88 percent feeling their child’s needs were clearly understood, and nearly two-thirds reporting significant developmental progress. Additionally, 83.1 percent of families rated therapist professionalism as excellent.

“Families share with us every day how therapy has opened new possibilities for their child — first words spoken, confidence blossoming, milestones once out of reach becoming part of everyday life,” Leigh added. “Hearing their stories is profoundly moving and reminds us why our work matters.”

Sensational Kids relies on public support, philanthropy, and earned income to maintain affordable access to therapy, helping fill a critical national gap amid long waiting lists for developmental services. 

“The impact of Sensational Kids goes far beyond individual therapy sessions. It can alter life trajectories, reduce barriers to education, and create brighter, more hopeful futures,” concluded Leigh. “None of this would be possible without the collective support of our funders, donors, partners, board members, and the wider community.”

The full Sensational Kids 2025 Impact Report is now available online, showcasing how early intervention and family-centred support are transforming the lives of children across Ireland.

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