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Sensory-friendly activities inside a Guysborough gymnasium are giving area families a safe and welcoming space to connect, thanks to monetary support from Nova Scotia Health’s community health board wellness fund.
Amber Hart, who leads the Devoted to Diversity sensory‑friendly gym activities, said the program was born out of necessity. As the mother of an eight‑year‑old daughter with autism, Hart saw few options for children with varied abilities to participate in local sports or recreation.
“In a rural area, you can do martial arts or dance but there aren’t always extra hands to help out unless it’s just that parent minding their child in that moment,” she explained.
Hart wanted to create a space where children and families could feel included and accepted. With about $3,000 from the Guysborough County Community Health Board, she was able to formalize what had previously been informal gatherings among friends.
Situated at the Chedabucto Lifestyle Complex, the program offers monthly gym sessions, healthy snacks and occasional guest speakers, such as nutritionists. The community health board funding offsets some of those expenses.
Older adults have also attended, enjoying the chance to socialize while watching children play.
“Everybody is getting used to everybody,” Hart said. “Nobody’s blinking an eye if somebody has a bit of a meltdown. I just think that’s really important alongside people getting some physical activity.”
She said the wellness grant transformed the program. “It was like night and day to know I could put this on every month and families could depend on it,” Hart said. “This way I knew families were getting a nice healthy snack and a safe space.”
Community health board wellness funds support non-profit groups working to improve health in their communities. Among other things, grants go toward programs that promote food security, housing, transportation and social participation. The goal is to reduce risks of poor health outcomes in Nova Scotia communities.
Attendance at the sensory-friendly sessions has grown steadily. What began with Hart, her two children and one other family has expanded to about 60 participants.
She hopes to expand the program to other communities, including nearby municipalities that have expressed interest. She is exploring partnerships with agencies and fundraising to make it self-sufficient.
“People with varied abilities are just as much community members as we are,” Hart explained. “The more we learn from each other, the better we grow.”
She added she is grateful for all assistance – financial and otherwise. “I just want to express how extremely thankful I am for the funding and for the community for being so supportive and participating.”
Hart also credits the Municipality of District of Guysborough for helping provide the space.
Photo of play items available for kids during sensory-friendly activities in Guysborough County.