Press information, 22 October 2014 – immediate
A grotto created especially for children with autism will work its magic in Kent this Christmas, making it possible for many families to experience a visit to Santa for the first time. Organised by Bromley-based charity Children on the Autistic Spectrum Parents’ Association (CASPA), the grotto will be located in a barn adjacent to Holwood Farm Shop, Keston.
CASPA director Helen Dyer from Bromley explained: “For most families, a visit to Santa’s grotto is one of the high spots of Christmas, yet children on the autistic spectrum often miss out as they can struggle to cope with the sensory overload brought on by bright lights, crowds, noise and queues. It can just be a nightmare and it’s no wonder parents avoid putting their children into that situation, especially at what is supposed to be a joyful time. It doesn’t just affect the child with autism, but their siblings, too.
“The grotto at Holwood Farm Shop is created in a way that makes a visit to Santa possible for these families. The whole experience is designed to be calming and includes making reindeer food, decorating a cookie and story time with Mr and Mrs Christmas. Santa and his helpers are autism-trained and the families receive a lot of support. Quite often we get grandparents coming along too – sometimes the children are 15 or 16 and it’s an occasion they haven’t ever been able to share before.”
The CASPA grotto opened at Holwood Farm for the first time last year and was a great success with more than 200 visitors over two days. This year it will be extended to three days, December 13, 14 and 15.
Becky Brown from Bromley has three children and the eldest, Toby, six, is affected by autism. He loved his visit to Santa at Holwood Farm last year and Becky is looking forward to returning. She said: “It’s so nice because at Christmas everywhere is really busy and over stimulating and it can lead to a meltdown. Having somewhere we can go where even if Toby does kick off no-one will get cross makes a huge difference – it’s a really innovative idea.”
Arranging a visit
- The CASPA grotto is located at Holwood Farm, Yellow Barn, New Road Hill, Keston, Kent BR2 6AB
It will be open on Saturday 13, Sunday 14 and Monday 15 December and all visits must be pre-booked. Visits cost £11 per child including an individualised gift and £2 per adult/infant under six months. Time slots will be available between 11am and 4pm. Email helen@caspabromley.org.uk or call 07957 924 287 (tickets will be available through the website www.CaspaBromley.org.uk soon). Parking is free, the grotto is wheelchair-friendly and there is a disabled toilet.
