An eight-year-old boy from Wallasey with autism and learning difficulties is able to enjoy some safe space at home thanks to an Enable grant from the Steve Morgan Foundation.

Caden, who attends Elleray Park School, has been awarded an Enable grant of £4,000 towards an Urzone Safe Bed, which gives him a feeling of calmness and security.

Previously he had used a home-made safe bed with a mattress inside a pop-up tent, but the tent had become too small and it was also difficult for Caden to get in and out of when upset.

“Caden is a very anxious little boy who uses his bed as a safe space,” said Lindsey De Bartolo, Enable Funding Officer with the Steve Morgan Foundation.

“When his anxieties get too much he heads to his bed space to calm down, for a feeling of security and protection around him.

“Having this safe space helps to prevent outbursts of behaviour which can affect the whole family.

“Caden worries about all aspects of life and the things around him, but, when he is in a safe bed, those things are blocked out.

“He had been struggling at school and found extra-curricular activities difficult due to his anxiety.

“The Urzone Bed was recommended as it offers a low-sensory, multi-functional safe space for sleep, calming down and relaxing.

“The aim was to help Caden with his anxieties enough to have an impact at school and away from the home.”

Caden’s Mum, Caroline, says the bed has made a big difference both to her son and the family as a whole.

“My son now feels safe in his own home for the first time and it has helped us as a family so much,” she said.

“It means so much to us as we had constant battles with him every day thinking something was going to get him.

“Now we don’t have that and he sleeps a lot better as well so we just want to say thank you for the grant, which we really appreciate.”