YPRL's Sensitive Santa program
Sensitive Santa provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for children and their families to meet Santa and experience some Christmas magic!
When and Where
Sessions will be held on Sunday 24 November and Sunday 1 December 2024, in the Maker Space at the Mill Park Library, a quiet space designed to foster a reassuring and supportive experience.
Who is Sensitive Santa for?
Sensitive Santa is for children and their families who would benefit from a low sensory and supported environment. Priority is given to families with lived experience of neurodivergence, intellectual disability and sensory sensitivities.
What is involved?
Families can book a private 20-minute session with a photographer, a library staff member and Santa. Children are encouraged to take as long as they need to feel comfortable in the room and with Santa before photography starts.
Photography is a candid-style, rather than posed. Children can interact with Santa in a way that is comfortable to them. Children will not need to sit on Santa’s lap, and instead Santa will move to them, get down on the floor or even just stay in the background. Photos will be provided on a USB for families to take home.
Prior to the session, information is requested from parents and carers, to assist with understanding the child’s likes, dislikes, hobbies and interests. This information is used to personalise the session based on each child’s individual preferences, and as talking points for Santa.
Parents are also asked to provide a wrapped Christmas present for their children, which is snuck into Santa’s sack for him to give to them. Children will also receive a Christmas-themed goodie bag from YPRL to take home, including reading and literacy-based activities.
How to book
Bookings are essential.
Please completing an Expression of Interest Form by Monday 4 November.
Partners
- Diamond Valley Photographic Society
- Santa: Stephen Fox
Testimonials
“Thank you for a sensational experience. This experience is amazing, not only for [my] son on the spectrum, but also for his sister who misses out on lots of opportunities.”
“This is such an important program not only for the child with autism but for the whole family to experience something magical together where they would normally miss out. Was lovely to watch our kids in a calm environment and enjoy the experience.”