Specialist ADHD, Autism &
Mental Health Assessments

Im just emailing about our experience with the sensory van at the fireworks. I was so pleased to see sefton being so inclusive at an event. I have 2 daughter's. One on the pathway at 18months and one is 9 with adhd and ASD. We dont often go to too many events due to the eldest meltdowns. On Sunday we braved coming along, as predicted not even 5 mins into the first set of fireworks the noise and crowds became too much for my 9 year old. We quickly started to head out the park and spotted the sensory space. They got us inside and shut the door to block out the noise. It calmed her immensely. There was no rush to be out, no judging, no big long chats. We only came out half way through the 2nd set as she needed the toilet. The space helped her calm that much that we managed the whole of the last set and they let her have time at the very end having seen her running off with no shoes. We have been before and left early, we've been to the food fest and left before buying due to meltdowns and her being dysregulated. But for once, we managed a whole outing as a family. Without one parent having to leave and miss out. This space was so so crucial and beneficial to our family. I spoke to them and thanked them so much at the end I was nearly in tears. To go somewhere and feel included. Plus we spent more money staying there so more small businesses benefited in the long run. If we knew this was or is on at any other events we would 1000% be going. The reason we miss a lot is due to not having that safe space. It would mean we could enjoy more. It means my daughters don't have to feel like everyone is watching them thinking their naughty. The little one had so much she could stim with and calm she didn't run off as much ws usual. I know a lot of other family's would be more likely to attend, knowing there are things in place to help make the event more accessible, and that space did exactly that. I spoke to a couple other family's while in the space who said the same that it was such a good idea. A respite of calm. I wish there was more of these people around. And the two running it have so much compassion and understanding. No need to prove you need the space. Its just there no judgement. And they know exactly what to do to help without even a word. Thank you so much for allowing them to be part of this event. And I'm praying it is there in the future.