Nursing students help to launch sensory room for young Boro fans

Students from Teesside University’s School of Health & Social Care helped to launch a new sensory room at Middlesbrough Football Club’s Riverside Stadium.

The sensory room, located in the East Stand, features special lighting, seating and activities and offers a relaxed and secure environment for children and their families to enjoy the game. The aim is to offer a comfortable space for children who may struggle with crowds and noise levels on match days at the stadium.

Middlesbrough Football Club, which is one of just five clubs across English and Scottish football to offer such a facility, has received funding from the Premier League, BT Sport’s Disability Programme and disability sports charity The Lord’s Taverners.

The initiative has also has support from Teesside University, WHSmith Teesside Park and the Shippey Campaign, which was set up by Peter and Kate Shippey in 2014. The couples three sons have all been diagnosed with autism.

Teesside University nursing students Chloe Skipp and Sophie Hurne-Harding, who are both studying BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies (Learning Disabilities) were invited to the recent launch of the sensory room.

Chloe, 20, said: 'The new sensory room is very person-centred and a quiet environment allowing the children to relax in a low stimulus environment. I think it will be very popular in the future as it is allowing families to do things they enjoy together.'

Sophie, 20 added: 'It is very inclusive towards people with autism and learning disabilities and their families and takes an active role in providing fun activities and involving them in the fun intensity of a football match.'

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