Communi-crate
Communi-crate is a communications toolkit. It has a number of different tools for children and young people to use in their Hearing. This explains what each of the tools are. You can also view a short video clip showing all the tools in a Hearing room. Please note, some of the tools might be slightly different depending on each Hearing centre.
Worry Monster
A child or young person can ‘feed’ their worries to the monster. This can be used before or during the Hearing. It can also be used just as a comfort and something to hold. They, SCRA staff or favoured person attending can write down any questions or worries they have and feed them to the monster to be discussed with the Panel Members during the Hearing.
Conversation Cubes
These are engaging conversation starters to help Panel Members, children and young people get talking. A great tool to use to break up difficult conversations or a nicer way to finish the Hearing. They feature 36 questions across six colourful cubes.
My Feelings Rainbow
As well as using it to show feelings, it can also be used as a fidget toy that helps children and young people identify emotions, help them focus, and keep them calm.
Communication Cards
There are a number of communication cards. These include stop/go, yes/no, don’t know etc. Children and young people can point to one or hold one up if they want to take a break/ask a question.
The white board
The whiteboard can be given to the child or young person to write down any questions or comments before or during the hearing. Ensuring the panel consider these comments at appropriate points in the hearing.
Emotion Cards
There are a range of emotion cards available. The Bears are useful for very young children. Each card has a different emotion included.
Emotion Bean Bags
There are 10 tactile emotion bean bags which can be played with and talked about. Very good for fun interactions between the panel and the child or young person.
Communication Fan
We have a range of communication fan resources available. These are visual tools which can help children and young people to express themselves in a non-verbal way. Like traffic lights.
Talking Point Cards
These work well with teenagers and helps ask great questions to break the ice through relationship-building conversations.
My Feelings Cards
These are a set of simple cards showing emotions through words and faces. They are designed to help children and young people identify, express, and communicate feelings safely, especially when speaking feels difficult.
Ear Defenders
Although not a communication tool, ear defenders can help children and young people in their Hearing, particularly if they are Neurodivergent.
Sunglasses
Similar to ear defenders, sunglasses can help manage visual sensory overload, help young people feel safer and less overwhelmed, plus support emotional regulation and participation.
Pens & Coloured Paper
These can be used by children and young people to draw or write their views or any questions. Often used as a distraction from the content of the Hearing, but the children and young people will be paying attention to what’s being said.
