As part of its commitment to ensuring an accessible and enjoyable weekend for people of all abilities, the Waterford Harvest Festival is delighted to announce renewed partnerships with Autism Friendly Waterford and Nua Healthcare, who will provide two dedicated sensory spaces throughout this year’s festival weekend.

The initiative is designed to provide welcoming, calming environments for autistic individuals, children, families and anyone who may benefit from a quieter space away from the excitement and crowds of the festival.

Autism Friendly Waterford will provide a parent and child sensory hub at City Square Shopping Centre, located upstairs. The hub will offer a quiet, calming environment for children who may become overwhelmed during the festival, providing a safe space for relaxation, regulation and respite.

The sensory hub can be accessed on the day by simply calling in, or families can pre-book a space by contacting info@city-square.ie. Launched in April 2023, Autism Friendly Waterford aims to help make Waterford a fully inclusive city where neurodiversity is welcomed and celebrated. The initiative hosts a range of events and activities for autistic individuals and their families, including festivals, workshops and social gatherings.

Nua Healthcare’s Mobile Sensory Unit will also be available throughout the Harvest Festival weekend at the corner of O’Connell Street and Gladstone Street. The unit will operate on a drop-in basis, providing an accessible sensory experience within the heart of the festival.

The specially designed unit offers a calm, welcoming and engaging environment where individuals can regulate, explore and enjoy a sensory experience in a safe and supportive space. Nua Healthcare Services provides specialist care and support services to children and adults with a range of complex needs across Ireland. As part of its commitment to inclusion and community engagement, Nua Healthcare brings its Mobile Sensory Unit directly into communities and events, helping to make sensory experiences more accessible to those who need them.

“We are delighted to bring Nua’s Mobile Sensory Unit to the Harvest Festival and to support its efforts to make the event accessible and enjoyable for people of all abilities,” said Festival Co-Director Martin Nolan.

He added: “Creating an inclusive festival means recognising that everyone experiences events differently. Having dedicated sensory spaces available gives individuals and families the reassurance that there is somewhere safe and supportive to go if they need a break from the festival environment.”

Harvest Festival is proud to work with Autism Friendly Waterford and Nua Healthcare to ensure that inclusivity remains at the heart of this year’s event, helping more people to experience and enjoy the festival in a way that works for them.