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A new sensory room has opened for young children at one of York's leisure centres.
The brand-new sensory space is now open at Energise Leisure Centre thanks to funding from David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire and York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.
It offers a dedicated place for children, families and community groups to explore, play and enjoy new experiences.
Natalie Thomas, community sports manager for York at GLL, the charitable social enterprise that manages the centre, 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."
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The sensory room is designed for children under five and features interactive and calming sensory equipment, including an Interactive Snowflake Tube, Glow Construction Blocks, an Interactive Infinity Wall Panel, and a Tactile Wall Board.
The room is available through 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.
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.
David Skaith has previously told how sport has played a crucial role in his life, from enjoying an active childhood to studying sport at York St John University, and then using sport to help him deal with bereavement.
"Sport changed my life and saved my life," he said.
"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 the centre’s existing range of inclusive facilities, which includes accessible swimming facilities, a hydrotherapy pool and inclusive swimming sessions.