An initiative in Derry is set to ensure every child, no matter their additional needs, will get their turn to visit Santa this Christmas.
Society Street Indoor Market will be having special 'Silent Santa' sessions for children with autism and sensory issues.
These children can experience the magic of visiting Santa in his workshop in a relaxed, quiet environment without anxiety often caused by crowding, queuing or noise.
Manager of Society Street Indoor Market, Duncan Curry spoke to MyDerry about this incredibly special initiative that will help Christmas visits to Santa become more inclusive.
He said: "In response to the Covid-19 social distancing rules and restrictions last year we decided to turn the basement in Society Street Indoor Market into Santa's Workshop where children could book a time slot to come and visit Santa staying within their family .bubble.
"The workshop design let the children watch the elves working and also have a socially distanced chat with Santa."
While Santa's workshops brought a lot of joy to children able to watch Santa's elves at work and safely speak to Santa before Christmas, parents with children with additional needs were often left out.
Duncan said: "Last year we had a number children who could not go to Santa's workshop because the noise, lights and background sound affected them in some ways.
"So this year we added a Silent Santa workshop to our Christmas program during which you can book a slot to visit Santa, the market traffic, sounds, lighting will be greatly reduced to facilitate a relaxed and quiet environment without anxiety.
"This will hopefully help children with autism, special needs or disabilities experience the magic of visiting Santa in a safe environment. with the rest of their family."
Society Street Indoor Market hopes that this initiative will ensure that no child is left behind due to any additional needs that they may have.
Duncan said: "We feel an event like this helps bring families together as all the children can take part.
"If we did not do this event this year then some families either do not take the children to see Santa or left one child out during a visit to Santa which we witnessed last year sadly."
All bookings for Santa's workshops can be made by contacting Society Street Indoor Market on Tel +44 7759491563 with lines open 10.30am 5.30pm or Facebook message Society Street Indoor Market.
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