‘Please back our plans for multi-sensory room’

STREET dancing, yoga and arts and crafts were part of a packed schedule at a wellbeing event in Birkby.

Support to Recovery (S2R) joined forces with Friends of Norman Park for a Twilight Wellbeing event on Norman Park, Birkby.

There was street dance, yoga, ‘mindfulness’, reiki, arts and crafts and pancakes cooked on a fire. The activities were provided by Support to Recovery staff from the Great Outdoors Project and by local volunteers.

Refreshments were offered by Alf and Jamie, both aged nine, who wanted to raise money for Huddersfield Homeless charity ‘Change’. Jason Kerry from Support to Recovery, said: “We wanted to show people what a fantastic free resource our green space can be and to give them a chance to benefit from taking part in activities in the outdoors instead of inside a gym or community hall.”

The event was a great success with around 30 adults and 12 children trying new activities. If you would like to take part in any of the activities visit the website S2R.org.uk or phone the office at Create Space on Brook Street Huddersfield, on 01484 539531.

They can also tell you about joining a ‘parks friends of group’ near you. “A multi-sensory room will provide a stimulating, yet secure environment that nurtures our children, giving them the space and time to develop essential skills such as selfcontrol, self-regulation and empathy. Which are all essential elements in the holistic development of a child.

“I am very excited about this initiative which will lead to increased holistic health and wellbeing and community inclusion.”

Huddersfield Community Trust has identified that The Zone is accessed by up to 10,000 individuals with disabilities or identified needs, each year.

And the welcome addition of a dedicated multi-sensory space could allow the trust to help even more families in need of support.

Lisa added: “Babies, children and adults will benefit from regular access to a multi-sensory room that provides a safe-haven, a calming yet stimulating place that supports their ability to become self-aware and to achieve their physical, social and emotional potential.”

Families will also be able to book Sensory Room birthday parties, ensuring that children of all abilities can celebrate and socialise with their peers, within their own community.

If you would like to support the cause you can forward a testimonial/endorsement stating how the multi-sensory room would change your life and the benefits it would create for you and the children you work with.

Please forward these to Lisa. hewitt@huddersfieldcommun itytrust.co.uk.