Buttercrane launch Sensory Support Kit to support children

Buttercrane Shopping Centre has launched a new Sensory Support kit for families who visit the centre.

The kit is designed to support children with autistic spectrum disorder, sensory processing disorder or conditions with sensory sensitivities.

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The kit, which is available for a small refundable deposit from the Customer Help Desk, contains ear defenders and a range of fidget toys, squeeze and textured balls.

Speaking to Newry Times, Centre Manager Peter Murray said the new kit was developed as part of a range of outreach activities to make visiting the shopping centre experience a positive for all families.

Operations Manager James Loughran said, “This kit is part of a series of steps to make the centre a welcome environment for all our customers.

“It was borne out of some recent training the Centre staff undertook in association with Autism NI. The Help Desk also has free identification bands which parents can use for children who are at risk of wandering off. 

“We will continue to develop our services and this kit, and would welcome customer feedback to continue to make the Centre experience as positive as possible for all visitors,” he added.

Centre Manager Peter Murray said, “In recent years we’ve included a Sensory Room in our Parent & Child facilities, purchased a Shop & Go Trolley to facilitate older children with disabilities and our staff continue to train with Autism NI and develop our facilities with a view to becoming an Autism Impact Award champion.

“As a Centre we strive to be progressing and respond to our customers’ needs.

He added, “We’ve also recently undergone Dementia Awareness Training. We continue to adapt to the changing social environment and we are committed to investment in these services and training initiatives.”

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Posted by Newry Times News on Jul 23 2019. Filed under Business, Community. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry