Major coup for Goal Line as Asda Foundation funds multi sensory discovery room

By Eleanor McGillie

CHILDREN of all abilities can now benefit from a state of the art multi sensory room at a Portadown youth centre thanks to a major funding boost by the Asda Foundation.

Members of the Goal Line Youth Centre, based at Chambers Park in the grounds of Portadown Rugby Club, which attracts children from the age of six, secured almost £11,000 to create a sensory environment which not only benefits children but also their parents and carers.

The multi sensory discovery room is an area in the youth centre which gives youth centre members an environment whereby they can improve the development of thought, intelligence and social skills as well as allowing them a space which generates a relaxing and calming effect.

Annemarie Rocks, from the Asda Foundation, was welcomed by the chairman of Goal Line Youth Centre trustees, Peter Thompson, at the official launch of the sensory room last week.

Speaking at the launch, Mr Thompson said: “This is a major achievement and our thanks goes out to the Asda Foundation for supporting us in this venture. The funding has been a major coup for us because it will benefit so many of our young people.

“Since 1988 Goal Line Youth Centre has been working hard to ensure, through our mission, that we help young people appreciate the richness and diversity of our shared culture so they can develop a keen sense of fairness for all in an environment based on self respect and respect for others and where they have fun together and enjoy life in Portadown.

“The funding from the Asda Foundation will allow us to continue with the work which is being carried out by our fantastic team of staff and volunteers so a huge thank you to the Asda Foundation.”

Speaking about the funding and the impact it will have, Annemarie Rocks said: “The Asda Foundation is delighted to have because the foundation itself is all about transforming communities and changing lives and we believe this multi sensory room will change and improve the lives of many young people here in the Co Armagh area.

“Multi sensory environments can open up a whole new world for individuals with cognitive and physical impairments so we hope our funding boost will make a difference to children’s lives.”

The launch, which took place on March 30, attracted over 70 people including children, their parents, volunteers, staff, politicians and representatives from the Asda Foundation and the local Asda store in Portadown.

ENDS:

Notes To Editor:

• Goal Line Youth Centre is based at Chambers Park in the grounds of Portadown Rugby Club and has been operating in the community since 1988. It’s mission statement is to help young people appreciate the richness and diversity of our shared culture so they can develop a keen sense of fairness for all in an environment based on self respect and respect for others and where they have fun together and enjoy life in Portadown.
• For further media enquiries contact Eleanor McGillie at MGMPR Ltd on 028 3756 9567 | 07709805379 or by emailing eleanor@mgmpr.co.uk | Brand Journalism Experts | Brand Journalism Northern Ireland | Brand Journalism UK