Toy scheme in Kent praised for putting smiles on children's faces during lockdown

  • Video report by ITV News Meridian's James Dunham

A scheme in Kent, where families with disabled children receive a free toy, has been praised for relieving some of the pressure and stress brought on by lockdown.

For children living with a disability, lockdown has been particularly challenging with the loss of routine and additional support.

With the introduction of this scheme to try and bring a smile to their faces, hundreds of homes have been applying to the scheme.

Bella with her new bike Credit: ITV Meridian

Bella from the Isle of Sheppey has enjoyed making the most of her new bike, given to her by Kent County Council.

Her dad Garry says because Bella has Down syndrome, the disruption to her usual routine of going to school every day, has been confusing for her during lockdown.

But her bike has been a new and welcoming distraction for her, spending hours riding it around the garden.

Credit: ITV Meridian

In Folkestone, Mark has been using the art kit he received to stop him feeling anxious.

While the basketball hoop being played with by his brothers, Thomas and Kristian, who is autistic, is making life that little bit easier.

  • Click here for more information about the scheme

Mark, Thomas and Kristian's mother says it has been life in lockdown that bit easier Credit: ITV Meridian