FERMANAGH and Omagh District Council has installed a Sensory Room in the Lakeland Forum as part of its commitment to making its services as inclusive as possible.

Funding secured from the Department for Communities saw an investment of approximately £15,000 to develop a fully-operational sensory room as part of a facilities upgrade.

The Department’s Access and Inclusion programme provides grants through councils and the NI Museums Council, aimed at promoting a more inclusive society by improving accessibility at arts, cultural and active recreation venues for people with disabilities.

Speaking about the sensory room's development at the Forum, the Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Diana Armstrong, said: "The Council is committed to working in partnership with other key stakeholders to improve the quality of services provided to the people of the district.

"The Council worked in partnership with the Department for Communities in developing the sensory room, and we are grateful for the financial support provided by the Department for this project.

"I am delighted to see that this work was completed ahead of the building reopening. With the closing of Fermanagh Lakeland Forum due to the Covid restrictions, it was an opportune time to undertake the work."

She added: "There are tremendous benefits to be derived from the installation of the sensory room, particularly for children with learning disabilities or special needs, and indeed, for adults who need an escape from stress.

"The sensory room, for them, can be an oasis of calm. I am confident that it will be an excellent addition to the facilities already available to users of Fermanagh Lakeland Forum.”

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey said: “One of my Department’s key strategic objectives is the promotion of social inclusion ... including [for] people with a disability who have limited opportunities to participate in activities that many of us take for granted.

“Sensory rooms have well-documented benefits for those with disabilities and learning needs, and I would congratulate Fermanagh and Omagh District Council for bringing forward this project and the creation of a dedicated sensory space that will cater for individuals and family groups.”

Fermanagh Lakeland Forum is committed to making leisure accessible to everyone and the sensory room is a shared experience that everyone can enjoy.

The sensory room is available for booking for sessions of 45 minutes, with booking to be made in advance.

For booking information, telephone 028 6632 4121, or email forumbookings@fermanaghomagh.com.