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
Anxiety or stress-related problems
The benefits of a multi-sensory environment
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
Encourage water play
Bookings are essential.Caregivers supporting a swimmer do not need to book a spot and swim for free.

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

More Information

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