Sensory Safe Space piloted at Bears matchday

In partnership with Bristol Sport Foundation, invited participants from Bears’ school and community programmes will benefit from the availability of the ‘safe space’ before, during and after the Bears’ Gallagher Premiership clash with Northampton Saints.

With a Mobiloo accessible changing vehicle onsite for the first time for a Bears home game also, the partner charities have created the stadium’s most accessible offer to date.

Disability & Inclusion Support colleague, Kris Tavender, said: “From sensory lights, bean bags and fidget toys, to a safe and removed space from the main action – we are thrilled to be able to offer whole families of fans this unique experience together.

“We work with some of the most amazing young people in the region, but the reality is these young people are some of the most disadvantaged in terms of sensory barriers, physical disability, and the simplicity of accessing events and activities as a family with siblings and parents all joining in together. And that’s the dream – proper family, proper community, proper inclusion.”

With the associated costs to provide these experiences significant, the collaboration between the two partner charities at Ashton Gate Stadium is key to realising the goal of accessible matchdays for all.

“The truth is we want this at every Bears game, every season,” said Tavender.

“But we also appreciate that great goals are achieved through firm foundations, and that’s what we are really looking to build here. Real collaboration between the Bears Foundation and Bristol Sport Foundation allows us to pool resources to meet the greatest needs, as we deliver a second extended invitational event at Harlequins in the next round of Premiership action, before opening to the wider fanbase for the final home game of the season versus Gloucester Rugby in May.”

Available onsite to all attending fans with an additional need, a Mobiloo is a mobile accessible toilet with an adult-sized changing bench, hoist and a friendly attendant.

The Charity ‘Vehicles for Change’ run the Mobiloo service that enables all disabled children and adults to use the toilet or be changed with dignity and respect when they wish to go to events and activities – events from which they are too often excluded by the absence of the necessary changing facilities.

To find out more about sponsoring and enabling further match day Sensory Safe Spaces, please contact: ccapel@bristolbearsrugby.com

For more information regarding Mobiloo, click here.