Northallerton sensory centre receives welcome gifts ahead of first birthday

The Pendragon Community Trust, which runs the centre on Northallerton’s Omega Business Village, has been able to improve its facilities for people who are blind or partially-sighted after buying some tactile and sensory items thanks to a council grant.

The facility opened on July 2 last year, following 13 years of planning, and includes a multi-sensory space, giant slide, full changing facilities and café area. The centre offers a range of facilities including music therapy, sensory exploration and carer support.

Hambleton District Council presented the trust with money from its Making a Difference Fund.

“We have the latest light and projection equipment but since our centre opened last year, we have realised that we had limited items for those with visual impairments,” said Julia Downes, development manager for the sensory centre.

“Our specialist environment provides 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.

“These new items which include a vibrating snake, scented sound dice, high backed bean bags, multi-sensory mixed textured balls and a soundbeam will ensure that we now cater for the sensory needs of all our visitors.”

Ward Member, Councillor David Blades who supported the project, added: “It is great to be able to help charities like Pendragon with projects that they otherwise would not be able to afford themselves. The Making a Difference grant scheme sees us put money back into community projects which help improve life in our neighbourhoods.”

• Pendragon is celebrating its first birthday on July 2 and holding an open day at the centre, Unit 15, Omega Industrial Village, Thurston Road, Northallerton from 10am to 3pm. Free, 15 minute taster sessions are available. For more information visit; pendragon-ct.org/ or call Julia Downes on 01609-760330.