After 13 years of fundraising a unit on Omega Industrial Village in Northallerton is being converted into a multi-sensory centre for people with learning disabilities.
And now thanks to a grant of £4000 from Hambleton District Council’s Community Grants Programme, ‘phase 2’ – the design of the centre interior is beginning to take shape.
“There is only one other dedicated multi-sensory centre in the UK – ‘Space’ in Preston,” said Malcolm Barnett, one of the Trustees of the Pendragon Community Trust.
“Space has been very supportive of our project and we are currently working with the specialist sensory designer who designed their centre to ensure that our project is the best it can be.
“He paid us an initial visit free of charge and this grant has enabled us to pay him for subsequent visits to the centre and advise us on the best pieces of equipment to purchase to ensure that our centre is an unique place to visit.”
Once complete Pendragon will also have a smaller room for one to one work, an interactive ball pool, giant fun slide, small kitchen/café area, outside sensory area, full hoist facilities and a changing /wet room.
Councillor Mrs Bridget Fortune, Portfolio Holder for Customer and Leisure Services added,
“The specialist Centre will provide a wonderful range of sensory experiences and therapeutic and developmental opportunities and support to visitors.
“It will provide not only a haven for those clients and their families and carers who are seeking respite and relaxation and a chance to meet but also a valuable opportunity for not only those with special needs, but also for their siblings and for their whole families to come and have fun and relax together in a safe and inspiring setting.”