Posted on: Tuesday 1 July 2025
Seven new sensory rooms have opened across Torfaen for children and young people with disabilities and additional learning needs.
The rooms are designed to stimulate the senses through light, sound, touch, and movement and offering a calm and therapeutic environment.
The initiative follows a recent Play Sufficiency Assessment public consultation, which highlighted a demand for play environments tailored to the needs of children with disabilities and their families.
The new sensory rooms are located at:
- Glenside Community Hall, Off Meadowbrook Avenue, Pontnewydd, Cwmbran
- Victory Church, Greenforge Way, Springvale, Cwmbran
- Mount Pleasant Hall, Mount Pleasant Road, Pontnewydd
- Glansychan Hall, Glansychan Lane, Abersychan
- Civic Centre Play, Civic Centre, Pontypool
- Thornhill Community Centre, Leadon Court, Thornhill, Cwmbran
- The Cockerel – Greenmeadow and St Dials Community Hall, Cwmbran
The sensory rooms are available for hire by parents, carers, community groups and professionals. While there is no charge, donations are welcomed.
Cllr Richard Clark, Executive Member for Children, Families and Education, said: “These sensory facilities will make a real difference in the lives of children with disabilities.
“We’re committed to ensuring that every child, regardless of ability, can equal access to inclusive, welcoming community spaces with their families.”
Jason O’Brien, Strategic Director for Children and Family services at Torfaen Council, said:
“Play is vital to a child’s development, and I’m proud that our world-class play service continues to grow from strength to strength.
“The creation of these new sensory rooms is a direct response to what families told us they needed, and they reflect our County Plan commitment to giving every child the best possible start in life.”
To find out more or to book a session, please contact the Torfaen Play Service at torfaenplay@torfaen.gov.uk