Stormont play park ‘Quiet Hour’ launched | Newry Times | Latest Newry News, Newry Sport and Newry Business for Newry City

Stormont play park ‘Quiet Hour’ launched | Newry Times

Finance Minister Conor Murphy has announced a special ‘Quiet Hour’ at the Mo Mowlam Playpark on the Stormont Estate, making the facilities more inclusive for all.

 

Murphy launches Stormont play park ‘Quiet Hour’ - Newry Times - newry news facebook

 

The play park is designed for children of all abilities and includes a dedicated sensory area.

 

 

It will now be opened one hour earlier each Wednesday morning during July, creating a calmer environment for children with additional needs.

The Quiet Hour will run from 8.30 am-9.30 am for an initial four-week trial.

If successful it will become a regular fixture.


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Speaking during a visit to the playpark along with Health Minister this morning, Minister Murphy says, “Inclusive play is at the heart of this wonderful facility which is extremely popular with families and children.

“We recognise that due to its popularity, the playpark can get very busy and this can be overwhelming for some children.

“So we’re delighted to be able to open the gates an hour earlier one day a week to allow those with additional needs to be able to play in a quieter setting.”

Health Minister Robin Swann comments, “I am delighted to support this initiative and to meet the young people and their families for whom it will undoubtedly prove a popular addition to the facilities available with the Stormont Estate.

 

 

“Making all aspects of society as accessible and inclusive as possible to all our citizens and in particular the young is an ambition which we must all continue to work towards.”

Welcoming the initiative, Autism NI CEO Kerry Boyd says, “It is great to see that the playpark will be introducing a special Quiet Hour for children with additional needs.

“Many of our autistic families have enjoyed the facility since it has opened and will benefit greatly from the park opening an hour early.

 


 

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“We hope others will follow this great example and help to build an inclusive society for everyone.”

The Quiet Hour was championed by a number of parents who have been engaging with Stormont Estate staff in recent weeks.

After meeting with parents and children at the park, Minister Murphy explains, “I was delighted to speak with parents who have been instrumental in making this a reality.

“It’s so important that children of all abilities can continue to enjoy this excellent playpark as much as possible.

 

 

“I’m very pleased to be able to facilitate this Quiet Hour and I hope it proves to be a great success,” he adds.

 


Keep up to date with all the latest Northern Ireland Coronavirus / Covid-19 news HERE.


 

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Posted by on Jul 26 2021. Filed under Community. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

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