Nationwide help develop new sensory room

Children and young people with additional needs in Castle Vale are benefiting from a newly redeveloped sensory room designed to provide a calming, inclusive environment tailored to their needs, created through a collaboration between The Pioneer Group and Nationwide Windows and Doors.

The new space has been helped transform an existing room into a modern sensory environment that better supports local families and young people accessing services in the area.

The project builds on work first started several years ago when funding from Children in Need enabled the creation of an initial sensory space. While the original room provided valuable support, it became clear over time that it no longer fully met the needs of children and young people using the facility.

Following new investment secured through Nationwide, Pioneer carried out a consultation with parents, carers and young people to understand how the space could be improved. Feedback gathered helped shape everything from equipment choices to colours and atmosphere, ultimately inspiring a calming seaside and sunset theme designed to promote relaxation, comfort and engagement.

The refreshed sensory room now offers a welcoming space where children and young people can regulate emotions, develop confidence and access inclusive activities in a safe and supportive setting.

“In a world that can often feel busy and overwhelming, we immediately recognised the meaningful impact this facility will have on the community’s long‑term wellbeing,” said Kevin Caveney, Director of Commercial Sales at Nationwide.

“It has been a real privilege to work alongside The Pioneer Group on this project. Seeing everyone come together to help shape an inclusive space – one that offers a calm, creative, and safe environment in which individuals can find balance – has been genuinely heart‑warming.”

Leonie Hammond, Contracts Manager at The Pioneer Group, said: “Since the windows and doors programme began in 2024, we’ve been working closely with Nationwide to make sure there was a successful rollout of their social value commitments across Castle Vale. From the outset, we wanted this investment to create a long‑term impact not only for our tenants, but for the wider community.

“We’re incredibly proud of the new sensory room and pleased that Nationwide’s programme of works will leave a lasting legacy on the Vale, giving our community continued benefit for years to come.”

The project marks another step in the ongoing partnership between Pioneer and Nationwide, which is said to demonstrate how collaboration and targeted investment can help strengthen community services and create lasting positive impact for local families.

For more information about Nationwide Windows and Doors, visit: Nationwide Window and Doors