Multi-sensory theatre workshop proves popular

A new multi-sensory theatre workshop was recently held for disabled children and young people in the Horsham District and was well received by those who attended.
Multi-sensory theatre workshopMulti-sensory theatre workshop
Multi-sensory theatre workshop

Horsham District Council’s Leisure Link team, in conjunction with the Reaching Higher inclusive sports and arts programme, ran a two day workshop at the Queen Elizabeth II School in Horsham on Monday 28 and Tuesday 29 October.

It was organised after a request from a local parent lead group ‘You Can Do It!’, who wanted longer days (i.e. 9:30am - 3:30pm) as sessions are usually run from 10am – 2:30pm and they wanted a more arts and drama theme to the days.

You Can Do It! agreed to part fund the workshop.

Multi-sensory theatre workshopMulti-sensory theatre workshop
Multi-sensory theatre workshop
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The workshop brought a well known story to life by getting the participants to explore all the sensory elements of the story, create the sets, props and music, as well as be the performers.

Throughout the workshop the 14 youngsters aged eight and over explored a number of aspects of theatre in an inclusive and innovative way.

The two-day workshop was filled with activities such as multi-sensory drama, theatre workshops skills, exploring storytelling, movement, art and music, Rebound Therapy and Hydro Therapy.

Mary Ferrier, whose son Charlie took part in the workshop, said: “I just wanted to say how much Charlie enjoyed the theatre workshops. He clearly enjoyed every minute of it, as he hasn’t stopped talking about it. It was so brilliant to see how confident he was yesterday!

Multi-sensory theatre workshopMulti-sensory theatre workshop
Multi-sensory theatre workshop
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“The inclusive sports days and workshops are always amazing. We regularly attend sessions like these because Charlie gets so much out of them.

“There is nothing as inclusive as this, that we are aware of, in our local area and for us to see Charlie achieving so much, despite his severe physical disability, makes it well worth it.

“Please pass on our thanks to everyone involved for all the hard work that was put in to make it such an enjoyable two days for all the children.”

Cllr Sue Rogers, Horsham District Council’s Cabinet Member for a Safer and Healthier District, said: “It is very rewarding to receive such positive feedback on the pleasure that events such as this provide for the participants.

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“It is sponsorship that allows it to take place and I would encourage all businesses to consider supporting such important activities.”

Workshops such as these can only take place with sponsorship and support from local businesses.

If any local businesses would like to support these types of events, please contact Helen Crooks at Horsham District Council by calling 01403 215638 or 07734 231052 or email [email protected]

Report and pictures contributed by Horsham District Council.