The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Neil Kelly, proudly unveiled the Borough’s third Sensory Room and officially launched the Council’s new eight-week Walking Football programme at Crumlin Leisure Centre.
The Sensory Rooms at Valley Leisure Centre and the Antrim Forum have become highly sought-after sanctuaries for individuals, families, and children with learning disabilities or specific needs. In response to the overwhelming demand, the Council has once again collaborated with Learning Spaces to introduce a third sensory room at Crumlin Leisure Centre.
The Centre is also launching the Borough’s Walking Football programme, in partnership with the IFA and funded by the Northern Health and Social Care Trust. The programme will run at Antrim Forum, Crumlin Leisure Centre, and the Valley Leisure Centre.
Mayor Neil Kelly commented, “The Sensory Rooms in our leisure centres are a relatively new concept and in the last six months, they have proven to be essential in supporting those who need them. As a champion for the charity Mencap and a registered nurse with over 40 years of experience in Health and Social Care, I firmly believe facilities like these are crucial for creating an inclusive environment for individuals with sensory needs.
“I’m also delighted to launch the Walking Football programme, which offers seasoned footballers the chance to get back into the game. As a Council, we are constantly striving to enhance our Active Aging programme, and I’m confident this new initiative will be a success.”
The Walking Football programme will start on the following dates:
- Tuesday, 8 October, 10-11am at Antrim Forum
- Wednesday, 9 October, 10-11am at Crumlin Leisure Centre
- Thursday, 10 October, 10-11am at Valley Leisure Centre
To find out more about the Walking Football programme, visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/activeaging
To learn more about the Sensory Rooms and Sensory Gardens available in the Borough, visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/accessibility