Sensory room for SEND children launched at church

The room at LIFE Church in Bradford aims to help improve children's speech and language skills

A £30,000 sensory room for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is set to open at a Bradford church.

The facility, which would also benefit young people who have fled domestic and sexual abuse, was launched by former Leeds United footballer Leigh Bromby and Harrogate Town captain Josh Falkingham.

The room, at LIFE Church on Wapping Road, aimed to help improve children's communication, speech and language skills and was funded by the charity KidsOut.

A KidsOut spokesperson said the room would have a "wonderful effect on hundreds of Bradford children".

The interactive space featured colourful lights, projections and bubble tubes and would help children "find a calm space", charity chief executive Sara Williams said.

"In this room we can take children to the beach and teach them how to cross the road," she said.

"Bradford has some of the most disadvantaged children in the UK - whether that is from poverty, disability, sickness, or being a victim of crime - and we want to make sure we can get our units to be utilised by as many children that need it as possible."

Former Leeds United footballer Leigh Bromby, KidsOut chief executive Sara Williams and Harrogate Town captain Josh Falkingham attended the launch

The sensory room would also be available for children who lived in refuges or safe houses.

Rob Hutcheson, LIFE Church Bradford general manager, said he "can't wait for the room to officially open".

"Many local families face complex needs and challenges on a daily basis," he said.

"We have begun conversations with our local community partners, who are helping to identify the families who will most benefit from the installation and who often cannot get access to this kind of provision."

The KidsOut charity, which provided "positive experiences and creates happy memories" for vulnerable and disadvantaged children, has funded 23 sensory rooms around the country.

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