Recently I had the absolute pleasure of attending the Alan Shearer Centre with local group SPARCS. I’d never been before but Reilly is a regular and has attended many times with school to use the hydrotherapy pool.
Its fully accessible for those with limited mobility and located just off the A69 its set in over an acre of beautiful grounds complete with woodland walk, sensory garden and specially adapted play area. A hidden gem. Plenty of seats and perfectly kept lawns for those budding number 9’s to have a kick about.
Inside there is so much to do. The ladies on the reception were incredibly helpful and enrolling Reilly as a member took all of 2 minutes, membership and use of the centre is FREE.
Reilly loves all the sensory activities the centre has to offer and was very welcome for a cool down on an incredibly hot day. I love watching these incredible kids at play. Fascinated, focused and happy. I also love watching parents, grandparents and carers being able to relax, without judgement in a place they feel very welcome.
While there I arranged for Reilly to visit the hydrotherapy pool in the summer holidays. It can be booked for sole use in hour sessions which is perfect for and the general public who don’t need to be subjected to me in my cozzy. We’ve chosen to share that date with Kelly and her little one, Kelly is one of the fab parents I met when talking about Reilly’s blog at a coffee morning earlier in the year. I always get so stressed about keeping Reilly happy in the holidays, I see a lot of time being spent here in the summer, even a cafe so no need for soggy sandwiches and warm pop.
It is well worth checking out SPARCS who run meet ups for autistic families at some excellent places around the North East and of course The Alan Shearer Centre and all they have to offer. As well as the activity centre they have The Alan Shearer Short Break Centre and The Specialist Residential Home.
Check it out and if you see us there make sure you say hi!
x
The Life of Reilly 