Sensory Space in Antrim offers vital support for families, thanks to Housing Executive funding

Pictured in the new multi-sensory room at the Muckamore Parish Development Association (left to right), Stephen Gamble, Housing Executive Good Relations Officer, Caitlin Magee, Artes Admin Officer, Nichola Jenkins, MPDA Youth Work Coordinator, Rachel Graham, Housing Executive Patch Manager, Kim Dunne, MPDA Community Support Coordinator, and Deborah Farrell, CFM Ltd Business Development Manager.

A new sensory play facility in Ballycraigy, Antrim, is transforming lives by providing free access to calming and therapeutic sessions for families, particularly those with children and adults with additional needs.

The initiative, made possible through a £4,000 grant from a social clause in CFM’s contract with the Housing Executive, has been hailed as a “lifeline” for local families grappling with the cost-of-living crisis.

The Muckamore Parish Development Association (MPDA), which oversees the project, has utilised the funding to create a dedicated sensory space designed to reduce anxiety and promote mental well-being.

The facility offers a safe and inclusive environment where individuals can engage in soft, sensory stimulation activities, which experts say can have a profound calming effect on both body and mind.

Kim Dunne, MPDA Community Support Coordinator, expressed her gratitude for the funding, highlighting its transformative impact.

“This funding has been amazing,” she said.

“Accessing sensory play support can be incredibly expensive, so to offer free family sessions to our local community is fantastic. For families already struggling due to the cost-of-living crisis, this service is a lifeline.

“Adults and children with additional needs benefit hugely from spending time in this space, as it reduces anxiety and fosters a sense of calm.”

The sensory space is particularly significant in areas of deprivation, where access to such resources is often limited. The initiative aligns with broader efforts to support mental health and well-being in communities facing economic challenges.

Nichola Jenkins, MPDA Youth Work Coordinator, and Kim Dunne, MPDA Community Support Coordinator

The funding stems from a partnership between the Housing Executive and CFM, a company committed to leaving a positive legacy in the communities where it operates.

Deborah Farrell, CFM’s Business Development Manager, underscored the company’s dedication to the project.

“We are proud to support the creation of this new sensory space,” she said. “At CFM, our aim is to make a lasting, positive impact on the communities we serve. It’s fantastic to see how this space is already enriching lives and providing vital support for families and individuals with additional needs.

“Supporting people is at the heart of our vision, and this extends beyond our operations to the communities we work within.”

The Housing Executive’s social clause initiative, which mandates that contractors invest in community projects, has been instrumental in bringing the sensory space to fruition.

Stephen Gamble, the Housing Executive’s Good Relations Officer for South Antrim, praised the partnership and its outcomes.

“We are delighted to support the provision of these effective play techniques,” he said.

“Engaging in soft, sensory stimulation helps divert local families away from anxiety, which is an invaluable resource in areas of deprivation. I have seen so many communities expand their services thanks to this new social clause partnership with CFM. We are very happy to have supported such worthwhile projects across Antrim.”

The sensory space is already proving to be a vital resource, offering a welcoming environment for families who might otherwise struggle to access such facilities. By addressing both the emotional and financial barriers to sensory play, the initiative is fostering greater inclusivity and support for some of Antrim’s most vulnerable residents.

As the cost-of-living crisis continues to place pressure on households, projects like this demonstrate the power of collaborative efforts between public bodies, private companies, and community organisations.

The sensory space in Ballycraigy stands as a beacon of hope, offering a place of calm and connection for those who need it most.