We open our brand new sensory room.

Over the last couple of months, I have been working alongside Patrick Verrill, to create a matchday sensory room/quiet space at Crabble. Having a son with autism and also being the Chairman of the Dover, Deal and Shepway National Autistic Society, Patrick was very keen to see if there was something that could be achieved at the club. I myself, have come into the Community Engagement & Inclusion role, with over 10 years experience working in a primary school with a special educational needs provision, so was hugely aware of how this project could benefit so many people, not just children.

We chose Saturday 4th November to be the official opening, with 50 guests, children with autism and their families, being invited to the match against Hampton & Richmond Borough.

It would seem, that whenever I plan to have any type of community event at Crabble, it comes with torrential rain… However, the dreadful weather was not going to stop us from going ahead with our launch and neither did it put off our guests. They had exclusive use of the Hospitality Suite for the day, as well as being able to visit the sensory room prior to the official opening. Whilst in the Hospitality Suite, our guests were visited by the Dover Athletic players, who took the time to come and meet the children and talk to them. I’d like to say a huge thank you to them for adding something extra to the day.

Just after 2pm, saw the official opening of the sensory room. I would like to thank Cllr Kevin Mills for coming to cut the ribbon and open the room. Thanks also needs to go to Kelvin Newell, Kent FA, and to Faye Hackwell, BBC Radio Kent, for travelling down to be part of the day.

With the match given the go ahead, the last thing to do was for the mascot of the group Charlie, to go out with the teams onto the pitch. Having had earlier conversations with both team captains and the officials, they were aware that Charlie would be wearing ear defenders and kindly agreed to also wear them for a photo with the mascot. A massive thank you for supporting both Charlie and our day.

Weather and the result on the pitch aside, Saturday was a huge success, that could only be made possible by the army of people in the background, helping with the smallest of jobs, so thank you to you all. I am pleased to say that the room was used numerous times throughout the match, which goes to show that this is definitely needed.

With the room now official open, this project will continue to grow and evolve, as it will need to be continually adapted to cater for the needs of those using it, which as with everything, comes with a cost. The events that the Community Trust will be running over the next few months will help raise funds for this, however, should anyone or any local businesses wish to donate anything for use in the room, then please do get in contact via email [email protected]

For anyone wishing to use the room on a matchday, please drop me an email. This also goes for away fans travelling to our ground, you will also be welcome to use our facility.

Vikki – Community Engagement & Inclusion Officer