Scarlets Community Foundation
The Foundation seeks to improve health and well-being through inclusion and participation using sport as a catalyst. The activities delivered are designed to encourage participation and are developed to meet the needs of the local community
Project Overview
Since its inception, Scarlets Regional Limited has maintained a strong community focus, driven by its historical association with the geographical area it serves. The Foundation was set up to enable a dedicated focus on community aspirations. Although Scarlets Regional Limited partly funds the employment of staff within the Foundation, the two organizations operate independently, and no charges are levied from the business to the Foundation.
The Foundation is an inclusive charity that supports individuals of all ages, regardless of their circumstances, gender, sexual orientation, race, disability, religion or belief, age, behavior, or mental and/or physical health. In addition to physical activity, the work of the Foundation seeks to address some of the wider determinants of health, such as leadership, team building, and confidence building, to boost employment opportunities and community engagement.
The current proposal is to develop a mobile sensory facility within Parc Y Scarlets to address the needs of young people with sensory processing needs and autism. The aim is to reduce barriers to inclusion for this specific group of young people and their families. For instance, a child with autism may require support in learning how to behave in various social settings, which includes developing social skills like play, emotional understanding, and conversation.
The sensory facility will provide a calming space equipped with sensory resources designed to create a 'safe space' for young individuals with such needs. This facility will help reduce social and sensory overload by offering a tranquil environment along with activities tailored to support relaxation.
On match days, the facility will be available for young people who might feel overwhelmed by the stadium’s noise and atmosphere, which could lead to sensory overload. It will be designed to offer an immersive experience in a multi-sensory environment. Access to this facility will allow families to attend events without concern and ensure that those who previously thought sporting engagement was not possible can participate.
Furthermore, the facility will also be available to schools, health providers, and individuals during the week on a pre-booked basis, thereby broadening the benefits of this resource. We aim to build on existing partnerships with local schools and County Councils, collaborating with their education teams to identify suitable young people who could benefit from accessing this facility. Young people using the facility outside of match days will be provided with the same team equipment as other children engaged with the Foundation, fostering inclusion. The facilities will be available whenever the Foundation holds school events, further increasing participation without fear. All health and safety processes and best practices will be adhered to.
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