Shauna Diffley

Sensory Santa Claus is Coming to Town 🎅 Families of children with additional needs have been given a unique opportunity to enjoy the joy of Christmas with a special visit to Sensory Santa. Students and staff from University of Galway’s School of Psychology have come together taking on the roles of elves and Santa’s helpers, while several local and national businesses offered their support for the project. 👏 Dr Ciara Gunning, School of Psychology, University of Galway, explained how over 60 families attended the Sensory Friendly Santa's Grotto this weekend, and for many, it was the first time they had the chance to visit Santa. "Our Santa, our elves, our helpers make this what it is, and by checking in with our families in advance and making some small tweaks to the grotto set-up and sensory-friendly environment, our team can create an accessible and inclusive event - making real-life magic." Sensory Santa at #UniversityOfGalway was supported this year by several local & national businesses including Smyth’s; Supermacs; Dough Bros; McD’s; 56 Central; Connacht Hospitality Group; Centra; Lidl; Gourmet Tart; Galway Bay Hotel; Revive Active; Dunnes Stores; Name It. This year, the organisers also supported a new Sensory Santa and grotto event for 20 families in Belmullet, Co Mayo. Businesses in Mayo supporting the event included Erris Arts Centre; O’Donoghue’s Bakery; Mayo North East; Western Strands; Lir Beauty Rooms; Malone Welfare Unit hire; Beautified Beauty Salon; Toymaster Ballina; The Cake Queen; Hegarty’s Gift Shop; Happy Souls Reflexology. Read more: ow.ly/fQX650Qi2iu Pictured: 1. Tommy Donohue and his father Alan from Ballybrit, Galway visit the Sensory Santa event at University of Galway. 2. Mia Hynes from Moylough, Co Galway at the Sensory Santa event at University of Galway. 3. Finn Hewitt with his parents Susan and Paul from Galway as they visit the Sensory Santa event at University of Galway. #Santa #SensorySanta #Christmas