Croydon Fire Station is holding an adapted open evening next month aimed at making Bonfire Night accessible for young people with additional needs.
There will be themed light displays and quiet sensory rooms instead of noisy fireworks, and visitors will be able to access a fire engine via a bespoke ramp.
The station’s Blue Watch are aiming to build on the success of their July open day, which was the Brigade’s first-ever adapted event for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
“We had great feedback from our visitors in the summer, and since then I’ve been thinking about what we could do next,” said Station Officer Daniel Foster, who is organising the November event.
“Our advice as a Brigade is that it’s safer for people to attend organised firework displays than to hold their own events, so we want to offer families in Croydon an adapted event that meets their needs.”
Fireworks displays are not always accessible for people with SEND. Autistic people often struggle with the noise and crowds, while grassy surfaces are difficult to navigate with many wheelchairs.
The event at Croydon Fire Station, from 6pm until 7.30pm on Friday November 8, will feature a sensory trail with special lighting and bubble machines as well as projected images of fireworks and a bonfire.
Brigade facilities such as USAR tents and the BA chamber are being temporarily repurposed to create quiet spaces so that families can enjoy the experience in their own time. Visitors will also be able to enjoy a hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows while learning more about fire safety.
Crews are asking people to book in advance online here Bonfire Night-themed open event for children with SEND at Croydon Fire Station Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite, because capacity is limited.
Station Officer Foster organised the adapted event in July after seeing how his daughter, who is autistic, struggled with the noise and crowds of other Brigade open days.
They made accommodations including children being able to spray water from a hydrant instead of from a hose connected to a fire engine, as well as quiet areas for visitors who were overwhelmed.
Crews welcomed more than 700 people to the event, and raised money for Balham-based charity Certitude.
“It was hard work, but it was the most rewarding and worthwhile thing I’ve done in my career,” Station Officer Foster said.
“I am really proud of my watch, and how committed they are to providing a genuinely inclusive experience for our visitors. We’re all looking forward to meeting more families in November.”
To find out more, please contact Station Officer Daniel Foster.
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