Community-Based Activities
This article is about a range of activities/locations that are friendly to disabled or neurodiverse people.
Featured in this article:
- Southern Centre Multi-Sensory Room
- Sensory Swimming at Pioneer Pool
- Big Fun Gym
- Sensory Hour - Christchurch City Libraries
- Quiet Hour at Countdown
- Sensory Screenings at Hoyts Riccarton
- City Council Parks
SOUTHERN CENTRE MULTI-SENSORY ROOM
A multi-sensory environment is a relaxing space, which helps reduce stress levels and develop social skills. The Southern Centre is for everyone, however, individuals who would most benefit are adults and children who have:
- Learning differences
- Cerebral palsy
- Autism
- Multiple disabilities
The benefits of a multi-sensory environment
- Anxiety or stress-related problems
- Promotes intellectual activity including memory recall
- Encourages relaxation
- Interactive equipment develops an understanding of cause and effect
- Helps to develop language – encourages participants to make choices or indicate their preference
- Promotes social skills and helps lower stress levels
- Last, of all, it's a fun environment
Find out more: ccc.govt.nz/rec-and-sport/southern-centre
SENSORY SWIMMING AT PIONEER POOL
Join us at our sensory swimming sessions on Saturday afternoons, from 2pm to 4pm, at Pioneer Learn to Swim pool.
- Leisure swim
- Dedicated pool and change rooms
- Quiet, calming and welcoming environment
- Sensory equipment and toys are available
- Build confidence
Bookings are essential.Caregivers supporting a swimmer do not need to book a spot and swim for free.
- Encourage water play
Find out more: ccc.govt.nz/rec-and-sport/southern-centre
BIG FUN GYM
Gymnastics for people with special needs.
Big Fun NZ is a specialist gymnastics programme whose objective is to provide a fun environment where people can gain confidence by improving their coordination, balance, strength and gross-motor skills. It does this by combining the occupational therapy theory of sensory integration with the ultimate sensory integrative sport of gymnastics.
Find out more: facebook.com/BigFunNZ
CITY COUNCIL LIBRARIES - SENSORY HOUR
Over the 2022/2023 summer Tūranga piloted a sensory hour programme. Hopefully, this becomes a regular feature.c
During the session, the artificial lighting will be turned off and activities on the Hapori | Community Level 1 space will be kept to a minimum.
The area will be partially curtained off and in the space children can experience different textures, sensory toys, weighted animals and fidgets, as well as a play station in a curtained area with Lego.
Clear signs mark the exits and toilets and the Discovery Wall will be turned off to limit distraction on arrival to the library.
Find out more: ccc.govt.nz/news/story/sensory-hour-piloted-at-turanga
SENSORY SCREENINGS AT HOYTS
Where: Hoyts Riccarton
Our Sensory Screening sessions give you the comfort of going to the movies as a family living with autism and other sensory needs as we’ll dim the lights and soften the volume so your little ones can feel safe in an accepting environment.
Follow this link and select Riccarton to see the latest Sensory Screenings
QUIET HOUR AT COUNTDOWN
What is Quiet Hour?
Quiet Hour gives customers a time to shop in our stores that is easy on the eyes and ears by reducing noise, lighting and other distractions in store.
During Quiet Hour:
Lighting throughout the store is reduced.
In-store radio is turned off.
Checkout volumes are lowered.
Trolley collection and shelf-stocking is kept to a bare minimum.
There are no PA announcements, except in emergencies.
When is Quiet Hour?
All other Countdown stores: Every Wednesday, 2.30pm - 3:30pm
CITY COUNCIL PARKS
Ouruhia Reserve Park - indchch.com/places/862-ouruhia-reserve
Cashmere Park (fully fenced)- christchurchwalks.wordpress.com/playgrounds/cashmere-playground/
South Brighton Park - christchurchwalks.wordpress.com/playgrounds/south-new-brighton-park/
Spencer Park Playground - ccc.govt.nz/parks-and-gardens/explore-parks/plains-and-wetlands/spencer-park