New sensory room opens at Energise Leisure Centre following funding from Mayor of York and North Yorkshire

A brand-new sensory room has opened at Energise Leisure Centre in York providing a dedicated, inclusive space for children, families and community groups to explore, play and enjoy new experiences.

GLL, the charitable social enterprise and worker-owned co-op operating under the ‘Better’ brand, which manages Energise Leisure Centre, has created the new facility after receiving funding from David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire and York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.

The Sensory Room, which officially opened on 19 October for children under five,

provides an engaging and adaptable environment where visitors can discover a range of touch, sound and visual experiences, alongside music, aromas and interactive activities in a calm and relaxed environment.

It features a range of the latest sensory equipment and technology, including an Interactive Snowflake Tube, Glow Construction Blocks, Interactive Infinity Wall Panel, WiFi Colour Wall Wash, Interactive Rhapsody Sound & Light Panel, Tactile Wall Board, Sensory Bead Ball and bean bags.

The room is available through a mix of public sessions, bookable sessions, community group use and private hire, helping to provide flexible opportunities for families and groups to make use of the new facility.

The sensory area complements the recently launched two-storey fixed soft play at Energise for children under five with ball pool, twin slide and mini trampoline, giving children opportunities to move between active and sensory play.

Together, the two spaces support children’s emotional wellbeing while helping to develop co-ordination, social skills, confidence, strength and motor skills. They also encourage curiosity, creativity and exploration in a calm and supportive environment.

The project forms part of GLL’s ongoing commitment to create more inclusive opportunities for local people to be active and enjoy leisure facilities.

Natalie Thomas, GLL’s Community Sports Manager for York, said: “We’re delighted to unveil this new sensory room at Energise and to be able to provide another inclusive opportunity for children, families and community groups in York.

“We want the room to be a welcoming space where children can explore, play and experience different sights, sounds and textures in a way that suits them. Whether someone wants to be active and explore the equipment or simply spend some quieter time in a calm environment, the room can be adapted to support different needs and preferences.

“Thank you to David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire and the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority for the funding and support in helping us make this project possible. We’re looking forward to seeing local families and community groups make use of the space and enjoy everything it has to offer.”

David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, added: 

"Sport changed my life and saved my life. I want more people to have the same opportunities to lead more active lives, improving their physical and mental health, which is why I am delighted that we are supporting Energise with this funding. 

"By investing in local initiatives like this new sensory room, we're ensuring that people of all ages and abilities in York have the opportunity to lead more active lives. 

"Movement, activity, and sport play a huge role in improving mental health and tackling social isolation. This is a fantastic example of how we are backing ambition at a grassroots level to make York and North Yorkshire a thriving place for everyone." 

The new Sensory Room adds to Energise Leisure Centre’s existing range of inclusive facilities, which includes accessible swimming facilities, a hydrotherapy pool and inclusive swimming sessions.

Details about the soft play and sensory room can be found here – www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/york/energise/soft-play

Further information about Energise Leisure Centre is at www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/york/energise