We are excited to announce the launch of our new Sensory Packs, now available for hire from the Visitors Centre at Leeds Castle. These thoughtfully designed packs are primarily aimed at children and young people with neurodiversity and/or other disabilities, who may find our beautiful estate overwhelming at times.
Why Sensory Packs?
Using money raised by National Lottery players, The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK’s heritage. As part of the resilience funding granted to Leeds Castle in 2023, Accessible UK was appointed to conduct a thorough assessment of the estate to identify ways to improve accessibility for individuals living with disabilities and mobility challenges. Many of our dedicated staff and volunteers participated in training sessions to better understand the daily experiences of those with disabilities and the impact they can have on families.
As part of the recommendations from Accessible UK, we are proud to create these sensory packs. They are designed to provide additional support for visitors, allowing them to fully enjoy everything our estate has to offer while facilitating communication in a way that feels comfortable for them.
What’s Included in the Sensory Packs?
Each Sensory Pack contains a selection of items aimed at creating a more enjoyable experience:
- Ear Defenders – Aid in noise control for a calmer environment.
- Hand Puppet – Encourage communication and interaction.
- Comfort Blanket – Offers a sense of security.
- Egg Timer – Provide a helpful reminder for breaks every 10 minutes.
- Fiddle Toys – Help to reduce anxiety and provide sensory stimulation.
- Emotional Fan – Assist individuals in expressing their feelings.
- Sunflower Lanyard – Identify the wearer as someone with a disability, fostering understanding from others.
- A Guide to What to Expect and a Map – Highlighting quiet spaces around the estate.
This information will also be available within each pack, providing easy access for our visitors.
About the National Lottery Heritage Fund
The National Lottery Heritage Fund is the largest funder for the UK’s heritage. Using money raised by National Lottery players we support projects that connect people and communities to heritage.
Our vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future. From historic buildings, our industrial legacy and the natural environment, to collections, traditions, stories and more.
Heritage can be anything from the past that people value and want to pass on to future generations. We believe in the power of heritage to ignite the imagination, offer joy and inspiration, and to build pride in place and connection to the past.
