Plans are underway to install a sensory room at the County Ground to give Swindon Town fans a safe space.
The much-needed space will provide a safe, controlled environment for fans who may have a neurodivergence or disability to relax, get away from the at times noisy matchday atmosphere and balance their emotions.
To help get the new facility at the club off the ground some of its staff, including disability liaison officer Caroline Lane and media executive and official club photographer have asked for fans and members of the public to help if they can.
As part of this, a GoFundMe page has been set up which is looking to raise £5,000 towards the sensory room, and a signed shirt has also been put up for raffle.
Caroline Lane, who is also office manager at the club as well as pivotal in the work that has gone into the Junior Reds room, said: "A sensory room is what I’ve always been working towards at the club and so I have tried to come up with additional ways to raise money."
She added that the club itself is contributing towards the sensory room, as well as other businesses and groups, but the public fundraiser and raffles were just for 'additional funds'.
To donate towards a sensory room at the club, you can visit the fundraising page here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/raising-money-for-a-sensory-room-at-swindon-town
Callum Knowles added: "Our mission is to raise money for the development of a sensory room at the County Ground to provide a safe environment for supporters and fans on matchdays who are disabled or have a disability.
"As we embark on continuing to make Swindon Town Football Club as inclusive as possible, we want to continue to improve and add more facilities for our fans that are disabled or living with disabilities.
"The sensory room will greatly impact those supporters with sensory difficulties and give supporters an extra facility to use during, before and at half-time on matchdays.
"The plans for the development of the sensory room is to include but not limited to, specialist sensory lighting, equipment and it will have a variety of toys suitable for all ages.
"With the support of the fans, local businesses and Swindon Town Football Club, we want to continue to make Swindon Town more accessible and inclusive for supporters with additional needs."
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