Coventry school leavers' sensory prom a first for city, say organisers

Lilly-Mae, 15 and from New Arley, Warwickshire, was in tears at the thought of not having a leavers' prom, but is now going to a sensory-friendly one in Coventry instead

A sensory prom, designed for school leavers with autism, ADHD and other SEND conditions, is understood to be the first of its kind to be held in Coventry.

The event for teenagers who are finishing their education but would find it too intimidating to attend a traditional end of term party, has been organised by Coventry, Warwickshire and Worcestershire Mind (CWWMIND).

Paul Donaldson, one of the support workers who has helped put on Tuesday's event together, said the reaction had been "absolutely amazing", with pupils from other parts of England due to attend.

"It's been shared all over Facebook, but the parents are just so happy that there's something for their child to experience" he said.

The event, at the 147 Club in Coventry, has attracted children from the city and further afield in Warwickshire.

Two kinds of disco are being staged - a silent one where those taking part wear headphones to hear the music and a low-volume one for those who cannot wear headphones.

There will also be a quiet area for those who might get overwhelmed by the experience and need somewhere to decompress as well as a beige buffet, for teenagers who have issues with the texture of some foods.

Karen, from Essex, said she could not find anything similar for her daughter Aliyah near where they live.

"[Aliyah] loves dressing up, she loves having her hair done and feeling special like any normal 16 year old," she said.

"And the prom's going to give her that opportunity to do that and make those memories and simply enjoy just being a teenager.

"But alongside that is knowing that environment is going to support her anxiety and sensory needs.

"They'll also have all the things traditional things that proms offer. It's going to give her the opportunity to choose."

Katie, who lives in New Arley near Coventry, and her 15-year-old daughter Lillie-Mae will also be going to the prom.

"[Lillie-Mae] goes to a specialist school and they weren't sure whether they were going to be able to have a prom, so she got quite upset," Katie said.

"We'd had upset, tears, she was very disappointed, but when I told her about this, her face lit up. Within seconds, she was online looking for dresses, bringing me pictures about how she wants her hair and make-up done."

For Lilly-Mae, being able to go to a prom is about more than just ending her school life.

"It also gives her the opportunity to mix with other children because her school is further away, so she hasn't got many in the village where we live," added Katie.

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