Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a fantastic opportunity to highlight the importance of creating inclusive spaces for everyone. In Basingstoke and Deane, we're fortunate to have a growing number of attractions and businesses that are committed to making their offerings accessible and enjoyable for people with neurodiverse conditions.

Read on to find out what we’ve found:

Get active

Active Nation trampoline park offers "All Inclusive" sessions specifically designed for individuals with disabilities or additional needs. These sessions feature adjusted music and lighting to create a more sensory-friendly environment. The sessions run every Tuesday 5pm to 6pm and in the school holidays at 9am on a Tuesday and are exclusively reserved for visitors with disabilities and additional needs. They do, however, extend a warm welcome to siblings and well-behaved carers to join in the fun.

Flip Out, the trampoline park located in Basingstoke town centre, has SEND sessions on a Saturday morning. Flashing lights are turned off and music turned down to create a more relaxed atmosphere. Parents/carers get to go free.

iFLY Indoor Skydiving recognises the unique needs of individuals with disabilities and offers a welcoming and inclusive environment so everyone can enjoy experience the thrill of indoor skydiving.

Basingstoke Sports Centre has an Inclusive Swim - a relaxed swimming environment designed for those who may require additional support. 

Collective Motion Dance run inclusive, friendly classes for dancers, including those with special educational needs/disabilities. Take a look at the website for details on the different classes.

Places to visit

If you are looking for a quieter visit to Milestones Museum they recommend a weekday. Schools visiting Milestones normally leave around 2pm.

Settle down for a movie

The Odeon cinema located on Basingstoke Leisure Park offers a range of initiatives to make movie-going more accessible for individuals with autism and sensory difficulties. Vue Basingstoke Festival Place hosts an autism-friendly screening at 10.30am on the last Sunday of every month.  These screenings are sensory friendly with the sound reduced, lighting dimmed and no adverts or trailers. It’s okay for guests to move around and make noise during these screenings.

Take in a show

Anvil Arts present accessible performances throughout the year. These performances are open to everyone, but are specifically designed for people on the autistic spectrum, with sensory and communication impairments, or other additional needs. Keep an eye on the Proteus website for their accessible performances.

Shopping

From 9.30 to 10.30am each Saturday, you'll find quiet hours to make your experience at Festival Place as relaxed as possible. During this time, centre music will be turned off and participating retailers also turn off music in stores. Additionally, they offer ear defenders in the Customer Lounge that you can use around the centre.

Groups

Phoenix Drama and Movement is a warm and welcoming group for adults with complex needs (learning and physical disabilities) held at Proteus Creation Space on a Monday.  The group play drama games, take part in gentle movement, and find the joy in dancing, with the use of sensory props. The Creative Club Basingstoke also takes place at Proteus Creation Space and is a place for young artists and their parents to meet, socialise and learn new skills. 

Greenfingers’ gardening therapy allotment offers a nurturing and supportive environment for individuals with learning disabilities.

These are just a few examples of the many inclusive offerings available in our borough.

We would love to hear from you! Do you know of any other businesses or organisations in Basingstoke and Deane that are going above and beyond to create an inclusive environment? Please share your experiences and recommendations – email us at hello@lovebasingstoke.co.uk and we’ll include them.