Published: 25th April 2024
On Thursday 18th April, we formally opened the new Multi-Sensory Zone (MSZ) with over 85 users celebrating the launch.
Opened by Giants First Team player and MSZ Ambassador Harry Rushton – the Trust also welcomed Thomas, our new family ambassador along with over 45 local business/ partners and funders to celebrate, at an afternoon presentation.
The launch event consisted of three open access sessions where users were invited to visit the Sensory Zone as a soft launch and sample the interactive equipment and immersive spaces. Alongside the Sensory Zone is the new Quiet Zone, situated next door which is a calming area. This was a well received addition to our offering.
The three access sessions were tailored to age groups, with young children, schools attending in the morning, followed by adult service users in the afternoon then an after school session for children who had been in education settings.
Mid afternoon we presented to local businesses and leaders the journey of creating the sensory zone (which included plenty of support from a host of fundraisers and donations), with speeches from Lisa Darwin, Chief Executive and Sheila Conroy, Inclusion Manager of Giants Community Trust. Andrew Cribbis from Masonic Lodge, a benefactor (with members of the lodge) also shared how proud he was to see the spaces come to life and now become accessible to users in our local community.
The two new dedicated permanent spaces now form a new part of our community hub, The Zone, with hiring of the Sensory Zone now available.
Lisa Darwin, CEO of Giants Community Trust adds: I am so immensely proud we have finally launched our new Multi-Sensory Zone. The launch was such a wholesome day – seeing so many users come join us and sample our spaces. Creating these spaces has been my mission for a long time and finally it is now a reality. I’m so delighted to move this forward and enhance the well-being and outcomes of those in need within our community.
You can book the Sensory Zone via The Zone website HERE
