Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
No ho ho for autism friendly silent Santa
A SHOPPING centre is hosting a ‘Silent Santa’ for kids with autism.
Children will be able to visit Father Christmas at Foyleside Shopping Centre in Derry where shops will be closed and music turned off.
Starting this Sunday, the centre will open early at 10.30am to allow families with a child who has autism or sensory difficulties visit St Nick before stores open fully at 1pm.
Foyleside manager Fergal Rafferty said the service has been welcomed by parents of children with particular needs.
He added: “We’ve been running it for several years now and it has got a very positive reaction.”
The Silent Santa visits will happen every Sunday until December 10 from 10.30am to 12pm.