"Following the closure of a number of day centres in and around the area, there was a growing need to offer alternative activities for adults with learning difficulties."
Michelle Harris
A newly opened day centre in Rotherham has become the flagship location for a state-of-the-art Sensory Box designed to provide young adults with Autism a bespoke space for relaxation.
The Base Community Hub, which launched in October 2018 following Rotherham Borough Council’s decision to close Oaks Day Centre, Wath, earlier in the year, promotes and facilitates learning, social interaction, sports and work experience for young adults with Autism and mild-moderate learning difficulties.
Supported by a £500 grant from the UK Steel Enterprise Kickstart Fund, business owners Michelle Harris and Anthony Wilson are delighted to have the centre as the flagship location for a brand new, high-tech Sensory Box which was developed in China and supplied by Paul Robinson of Ego-Podzone.
The Box, which is the first of its kind in the UK, fully equipped with air conditioning, colour changing lights, an LED interactive screen and a plush interior, is a fully adaptable environment that facilitates well-being and relaxation, allowing users to tailor the space to their own requirements.
Michelle commented: “Following the closure of a number of day centres in and around the area, there was a growing need to offer alternative activities for adults with learning difficulties.
“At The Base Community Hub, users can benefit from tailor made packages that encompass learning, social activities as well as general well-being.
“Coming from a background in Design Engineering, my goals has always been to bring STEM learning to disabled children and, with both myself and Anthony being qualified English Athletics Coaches, we wanted to incorporate fitness into the schedule as part of a wider push for well-being and social interaction.”
Currently a core team of two with a number of volunteers in training to support the running of the activities, The Base Community Hub are looking to expand the team and are planning to take on a further four members of staff in the New Year.
Alan Stanley from UKSE commented: “It goes without saying that Michelle and Anthony are providing a much needed service for the area and it’s amazing to hear that The Base Community Hub is the flagship location for the Sensory Box!
“Our Kickstart grant scheme is designed to support the growth potential of budding entrepreneurs and their businesses and it’s been a pleasure to support such a crucial facility that I’m sure many people will benefit from for years to come.”
UK Steel Enterprise also provides equity and loan finance up to £1M to growing companies. Established businesses in need of growth finance can contact the UK Steel Enterprise team on 0800 915 1188.
