From Tiny Seeds, a community interest company in Meltham, which helps parents and children, has been named as a finalist in a national competition to win a £5k lighting installation.

Ansell Lighting’s Shine A Light campaign aims to recognise and reward the work of community organisations that provide vital support and services.

From Tiny Seeds, launched in 2021 to offer free parenting, baby and childcare support to local families, has beaten off competition to be named on the shortlist of four.

Run by Tracey Cronie and Kate Stopford, From Tiny Seeds is open three days a week at the Meltham Family Centre, offering drop-in stay and play sessions, baby massage, toddlers’ cooking courses, general advice and signposting to support services.

They now want to turn an unused area of the building into a sensory room as there is currently no sensory provision to support families with additional needs in the Holme and Colne valleys.

Tracey said: “Kate and I have both worked with children for many years and Kirklees Council approached us to start the group to provide much needed early years parental support.

“We have a room within the centre that is small but would be perfect as a sensory room – something which does not currently exist in the local area.

“Subject to funding we hope to convert and fill it with soft play, comfortable furnishings, mirrors and holistic toys – and lighting will play an important role in creating the right atmosphere for the different needs of the people who use it.

“We aim to offer free 45-minute private sessions in the room to support families with children who have additional needs, families who would like to introduce their children and babies to a sensory experience but also outside of the From Tiny Seeds opening hours we would hope to make it available to the wider community as well.”

The winner of the Ansell Shine A Light competition will receive a lighting consultation and design, Ansell Lighting products and a contribution of up to £2,000 towards installation by an approved electrician.

To vote for From Tiny Seeds go to: Ansell Shine A Light On (anselluk.com) Voting closes on Friday October 14.