Yorkshire County Cricket Club (YCCC) is all set to open the doors to a new sensory space at Headingley Stadium.
Following the Club’s work with the Shippey Campaign, a new Sensory Room, providing a safe and quiet space to support those living with Neurodiversity, has opened in the Pavilion as part of the club’s work to provide a welcoming environment for all.
The new pitch-facing room is fitted out with colourful fibre optics, bubble tubes, games and soft furnishings to provide a calming backdrop for families and children.
YCCC Sensory Room Opening – Yorkshire CCC President, Jane Powell pictured in the Sensory Room. Headingley Cricket Ground, Leeds, England –
The Sensory room
Kate and Peter Shippey from the Shippey Campaign said: “We are delighted that YCCC have added a Sensory Viewing Room to Headingley.
“It improves inclusion and accessibility at the stadium and offers families a relaxed environment where they can enjoy watching the cricket.”
Josh Wilmer, Customer and Member Liaison Officer, for YCCC, said: “The new sensory room at Headingley is another significant step for the Club in its journey to supporting social integration and diversity. With the invaluable support of the Shippey Campaign, we have created a safe and calming space.
“At YCCC, we are committed to continuously supporting initiatives that improve the match day experience for our members and supporters and promote social awareness and equality for all.”
Pictured from left: Mo Hussain, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager for YCCC with YCCC President Dr Jane Powell and Josh Wilmer, Customer and Member Liaison Officer for YCC in the Sensory Room.
In January 2021, across the Yorkshire Family, the Club created the ‘Cricket is a game for me,’ Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) plan, with the mission to ensure that Yorkshire keeps playing its part in ensuring that cricket becomes the most inclusive game in sport and that Yorkshire Cricket is a home for everyone.
The new Sensory Room is just one of a number of improvements to the match-going experience for fans.
Headingley has a multifaith prayer facility located at the entrance of the East Stand. There is ample disabled parking, seating and toilet provision for both non-match days and match days, in addition to the very best spectator services delivered by the dedicated team of volunteers – the Yorkies. The stadium also strives to be as dementia friendly as possible.
Stephen Vaughan, Chief Executive Officer for YCCC, said: “This is a further step on our journey to carry out important work around inclusion and to make good our objective of being the most welcoming and inclusive place to watch and play Cricket. It’s a great facility.”
Yorkshire Cricket Members and supporters who are interested in using the sensory room, please contact [email protected]
Further information can be found here:
