Rams add second sensory room at stadium

Derby County Community Trust has announced the opening of a second sensory room at Pride Park Stadium.

Since opening the first in 2019, the trust has been overwhelmed by the number of families who have registered their interest in using the facility.

A waiting list has been full for some time, but now a second sensory room has opened thanks to Chasetown Civil Engineering, which has agreed to cover the running costs.

This will allow the trust to reopen enquiries into the rooms and allow more families to benefit.

The Sensory Room is for children and young adults who have additional needs, aimed at helping those with autism.

It provides a safe and relaxing space to enjoy a Derby County game from inside or outside a hospitality box, designed to ensure the game can be enjoyed by all.

Families can come and enjoy the match with the support of Derby County Community Trust’s trained staff.

Children with limited communication can enjoy relaxing music and play with tangible and sensory stimulating objects, with specialist equipment provided by ex-Derby County captain Shaun Barker through the Shaun Barker Foundation.

Gavin Lewis, inclusion development manager at the trust, said: “The Sensory Room aims to eliminate any segregation from who can, and who can’t, enjoy a game of football at Pride Park Stadium by removing the barriers that some of our participants face by providing an environment designed for their needs.

“It’s been fantastic to offer out this facility to families, but we have been overwhelmed by demand.

“Having the second box in place will allow us to help double the number of families for the rest of the season, which is fantastic, and we are really grateful for both the Shaun Barker Foundation and Chasetown’s support.”

Enquiries have reopened on the Derby County Community Trust website for families to register their interest in attending a game this season.

For more information visit http://www.derbycountycommunitytrust.com/fundraising-and-events/matchday-experiences/sensory-room .