ABC: High demand for ‘Relaxed Christmas’ time slots at Bleary Community Centre
The much-loved ‘Relaxed Christmas Sessions’ will return to Bleary Business and Community Centre from Friday, December 5, offering children with autism and special educational needs the chance to meet Santa and Mrs Claus in a calm, magical and supportive environment.
Time slots (free of charge) need to be pre-booked by families, and demand has been absolutely massive to date. The experience will offer a range of seasonal activities featuring thoughtfully chosen Christmas decorations, lighting, props, and sensory items.
Each family will have the opportunity to spend quality time together in a truly magical atmosphere, with the overall experience lasting approximately 40 minutes.
Children will be able to enjoy a silent disco, Mrs Claus’ kitchen, a North Pole projection show, and Santa’s Grotto. Councillor Julie Flaherty is particularly passionate about the annual festive initiative.
Speaking at the November 24 meeting of Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon (ABC) Borough Council, the UUP representative for Portadown DEA commented: “The tickets for this were released on November 21, and never mind the app blowing up, I think my phone nearly blew up on that Friday.
“So, in ways it’s great to see that the demand is so high, and that has been borne out in the response I did get. So, I can see that a number of dates are booked, which is great, but it does mean there’s still some slots left. So, I’m assuming there’s going to be a wee bit more of an adverts/comms push on those dates that are still free.
“Just on another note, I’ve had contact from parents with babies and very little ones, some of whom are awaiting treatment and surgery – when I say young people, there’s young adults, too, it’s right across the range.
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“For some this event is maybe a very special first Christmas, and maybe an unexpected Christmas, or for some people something else. So, I just want to make sure that we can accommodate as many as we can.”
Councillor Flaherty has been glowing in her praise of the annual initiative in the past. Speaking at a council Economic Development & Regeneration committee meeting, back in February, she commented: “When it comes to Christmas there’s one thing I will never miss, and it’s that relaxed Christmas event.
“It’s an event that we really should be very proud of in this council. It’s a very special event for families and children. Most of you know where my background is on this, and it’s particularly important for families whose children have extra medical – I get all emotional when I talk about this.”
Councillor Flaherty went on to say: “It’s so important for these children, maybe it’s the only experience that they get. I encourage other councillors, please go and see what happens at this event and what it’s like.
“When we do something in this council well, we should be singing it from the rooftops that we do it well, and that it’s appreciated.”
To book tickets, visit santaontourabc.com/relaxed-christmas
François Vincent, Local Democracy Reporter