Free Send-Friendly Creative Sessions - Helios

Join us for a free gentle and inclusive exploration ofHelios [https://wxwakefield.co.uk/Whats-On/Details?event=helios].We invite families with children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities to join us for a calm, flexible and inclusive one-hour workshop inspired by the sun, space and summer light.This gentle, sensory-led session invites families to explore movement, music, mark-making and imaginative play through different themes. With a soft start and finish, optional breaks and adaptable activities, the session is designed to support a wide range of access needs.Participants can take part at their own pace, using props, sound, storytelling and creative materials to spark curiosity and connection.All creative activities are open-ended, allowing for individual interpretation and exploration.The session will be led by experience SEND Creative PractitionerBryony Pritchard [https://www.instagram.com/bryonypritchard/].Session details:
10am - soft arrival
10:15am-11:15am - Creative Session
11:15am-11:30am - Gentle ending
The building will be open to the public during this time, but activity will be lighter, creating a quieter environment for SEND families attending the session.Guide age 4-14yrs (please contact us if youd like to discuss suitability)Maximum 8 families per session to maintain small group size in support of a calm engagement.
These sessions aim to:Support children to engage in their own way and at their own pace
Encourage sensory exploration and curiosity
Build confidence, agency and self-expression
Support communication through movement, gesture, sound and mark making
Offer opportunities for connection, calm and share experience
Create a welcoming cultural experience that values different and individualityHow are these sessions SEND-friendly?Open-ended activities with no expected outcomes
Children lead the pace and level of engagement
Sensory storytelling and object handling
Slower transitions and processing time
Attention to noise levels
Accessible materials and tools
Table-top options for wheelchair users
Quiet/chill-out area available throughoutFamilies are welcome to step in and out of activities as needed.
Access information:Pushchair and wheelchair accessible
Buggy parking available
Ear defenders are available on requestIf you have any questions or would like to talk through access needs before booking, please contact:ncambridge@wakefield.gov.ukWe are committed to making WX a welcoming and accessible space for everyone to enjoy.
We have full step-free access from our entrances and a fully accessible lift on the ground floor by the main bar.
A Changing Places Toilet (CPT) is located on the ground floor adjacent to the exit into The Yard.
Assistance guide and well behaved dogs are welcome throughout the venue.
You can find our Easy Read Guide here [https://www.wxwakefield.co.uk/Plan-Your-Visit].