Council approves next step towards sensory support boxes in public buildings across Mid & East Antrim

DUP Bannside Councillor Tyler Hoey

A proposal inspired by a Ballymena child who became overwhelmed before attending a community event is set to bring sensory support boxes into council buildings across Mid and East Antrim after receiving unanimous backing from local councillors.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council voted in favour of a motion brought forward by DUP Councillor Tyler Hoey during a meeting at The Braid on Monday, June 8, paving the way for officers to examine the feasibility and cost of introducing sensory toy boxes in publicly accessible council-owned buildings throughout the borough.

The move could see sensory aids made available in locations including town halls, leisure centres and community centres, helping children and adults who are autistic, neurodivergent or experience sensory processing difficulties to access public spaces with greater comfort and confidence.

A small change with potentially significant impact

The motion, seconded by Ballymena TUV Councillor Matthew Armstrong, highlighted the challenges many people face when navigating busy public environments and argued that simple sensory supports can make a meaningful difference.

The proposal stated that many residents who are autistic, neurodivergent or have sensory processing difficulties can find public spaces overwhelming, while simple tools such as fidget toys and calming objects can help regulate sensory overload and improve access to services.

Councillors agreed that Mid and East Antrim Borough Council should ensure its buildings are welcoming and accessible to everyone, particularly those living with hidden disabilities.

The motion also recognised that sensory supports represent a relatively low-cost measure capable of delivering meaningful benefits for families and individuals using council facilities across the borough.

As a result of the successful vote, council officers will now be asked to assess the feasibility and modest cost of introducing sensory toy boxes and report back with recommendations for implementation.

Inspired by a real-life Ballymena experience

The proposal has its roots in an incident involving WAVES Ballymena, a local group that supports children and families with additional needs.

The idea emerged after a child attending an event at Ballykeel Community Centre became overwhelmed and was reluctant to leave the car.

The situation was eased using sensory tools and reassurance techniques, prompting discussions about how similar support could be made available more widely across council facilities.

That experience ultimately developed into the motion presented to councillors this month.

Unanimous support across the chamber

Speaking to Love Ballymena following the successful vote, Councillor Hoey said he was pleased to see councillors unite behind the proposal.

“I’m delighted my motion passed with councillors support last night at our full council meeting. My motion to implement Sensory Tool support boxes in all Council owned buildings passed with unanimous support.

“With this motion, parents or those who are in the town or near a council building and has a child who may be overwhelmed, there will be a support box in the reception area to avail of.

“This is a deeply personal subject as I’m sure it is to others.”

Councillor Hoey also paid tribute to the community organisations that helped inspire the initiative and acknowledged the support received from fellow councillors.

“I wish to place my thanks to groups like the WAVES Ballymena who do incredible work in this field and would also like to thank Cllr Matthew Armstrong for his support in seconding my motion and for his amendment which would be for council to approach businesses to support this scheme within their property’s.”

Potential expansion into local businesses

While the motion focuses on council-owned buildings, an amendment proposed by TUV Councillor Matthew Armstrong could significantly widen its impact.

The amendment calls for Mid and East Antrim Borough Council to engage with local businesses about supporting the initiative within their own premises, potentially extending sensory support beyond public buildings and into everyday community spaces.

If developed further, that could see shops, cafés, restaurants and other public-facing venues encouraged to make sensory tools available for children and adults who may become overwhelmed while out and about.

The addition transforms the proposal from a council accessibility measure into a potentially borough-wide inclusion initiative, creating opportunities for both public and private organisations to play a role in making Mid and East Antrim more accessible for people with hidden disabilities and sensory processing difficulties.

Moving forward

Should the proposal progress following officers’ assessment, sensory support boxes could become a more familiar feature across public-facing spaces in Mid and East Antrim, helping families access services, events and facilities with greater ease.

For many parents and carers, particularly those supporting children with additional sensory needs, even small interventions can significantly reduce anxiety and help prevent situations from escalating.

The council’s decision marks an important step towards improving accessibility and inclusion across the borough, with the practical details of how the scheme could be delivered now set to be examined by officers before recommendations are brought back to councillors.