Sensory room will benefit residents of all ages

Oldham Library is launching a brand new Sensory Room

Oldham Library is launching a brand new Sensory Room to provide a relaxing and stimulating environment for people of all ages.

The room is equipped with lots of digital sensory technology, including a musical touch wall, LED interactive bubble tube, fibre optic slideglow, LED interactive infinity tunnel and LED sound activated step light.

The Sensory Room’s facilities and programmed activities will support the learning and cultural needs for children and adults with autism, sensory impairments, dementia, as well supporting people who are suffering from stress and anxiety.

It will be based in the children’s section of the library.

Councillor Barbara Brownridge, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Co-operatives, said: “The Sensory Room at Oldham Library is a fantastic facility and will offer support to a wide range of people – of all ages.

“It’s great to have this here in Oldham and the digital sensory technology that the room features is state of the art. Not only that, but it is the first of its kind to be installed in a library in Greater Manchester.

“We are in year two of our three year Autism Strategy, which aims to increase awareness and understanding of autism across the borough and this Sensory Room is just one of the many initiatives to help us realise our ultimate ambition - to become an autism friendly town.

“I am confident that the room will be a well-used asset and one we can be very proud of.”

Private groups will be able to book the room and it will be available to use during Oldham Library opening hours (subject to availability) with a maximum of six people being able to use the room at any one time.

Private bookings will be available to the public on Wednesdays 2–4pm and Thursdays 10am–12noon.

For booking enquiries, email oldham.library@oldham.gov.uk