Yorkshire Arts Centre Opens Multi-Sensory Room with LNER Funding

Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre in North Yorkshire launches a multi-sensory room for individuals with sight loss and disabilities, supported by LNER's community investment fund, enhancing creative expression and well-being.

 

A transformative multi-sensory space has been unveiled at the Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre in North Yorkshire, designed to enrich the lives of individuals experiencing sight loss and various disabilities. This initiative has been made possible through the generous backing of the LNER Customer and Community Investment Fund (CCIF), which aims to support community and charity projects along the East Coast route.

Located in Knaresborough, the Henshaws Centre is a beacon of creativity and independence, offering a diverse range of services and activities that cater to over 175 Art Makers weekly. From woodworking and digital arts to health and wellness, the centre is a vital community hub providing learning and volunteering opportunities.

The newly established sensory room features an array of engaging elements, including a craft zone, comfortable seating, ambient mood lighting, bubble machines, and more. This immersive environment is designed for relaxation and engagement in arts and crafts, complemented by the presence of therapists who provide massage, meditation, and relaxation services.

LNER's investment in the sensory room is part of its wider commitment to enhancing community well-being, employment opportunities, mental health, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability across its 956-mile service area. This funding is critical in supporting over a hundred projects that positively impact local communities.

Lisa Hart, the Head of Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre, expressed gratitude towards LNER, highlighting the sensory room's significant impact on enhancing the creative and sensory experiences of the Art Makers. The funding has been instrumental in realizing this project, offering a nurturing space where individuals can explore and express their creativity in a supportive environment.

The benefits of the sensory room extend to the families of Art Makers as well, with one parent sharing the positive changes observed in their child's anxiety levels since utilizing the room. This feedback underscores the room's effectiveness in providing a calming and therapeutic space.

Claire Ansley of LNER emphasized the importance of community support, noting the company's pride in contributing to Henshaws' mission through the CCIF. LNER's dedication to supporting charities and community groups reflects its commitment to responsible business practices and the tangible difference such funding can make in people's lives.