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Project reaches £100,000 target to build mental health aquarium in Wolverhampton

Thousands of adults and children suffering from severe mental health problems are set to benefit from a £100,000 community aquarium and sensory playroom, which could soon be built in Wolverhampton.

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An aquarium will be built to help adults and children cope with stress

Built by company Hugglepets, the new development will be built in the Monmore Green area of the city will help people that live with autism, stress and anxiety, loneliness, depression, alzheimers and other issues.

Bosses started a fundraiser online to bring together the £100,000 needed for the project, and have just announced they have reached their target.

The new space will include a sensory aquarium with 100 tanks, a sensory play classroom, animal-related therapy sessions, and classes for children with disabilities to learn about animal welfare.

A spokesman for Hugglepets said: "Our sensory play workshops encourages the use of five senses: sight, sound, smell, taste and touch. This develops children creatively, socially and emotionally through simply playing. This, along with Animal Assisted Therapy leads to happier and mentally healthier children and adults. Our unique project is available to everyone and can expand across the city.

"Experiencing and playing will be provide our visitors with a safe haven to learn about animals, animal care and the environment."

The building, once complete, will be open 7 days a week to the local community, families, schools and colleges.

Visit spacehive.com/hugglepets for more.