Young people from Coventry and beyond came together last week to celebrate the end of their school journey at what is believed to be Coventry’s first Sensory Friendly Prom, hosted by CWW Mind.
The event was created for young people with autism, ADHD and other special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), who may find traditional school proms overwhelming or inaccessible. Our aim was simple: to create a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment where every young person could enjoy this important milestone.
Hosted at the 147 Club in Coventry, the prom included adaptations to support a range of sensory needs, including a low-volume disco, a silent disco with headphones, a calm, quiet space for anyone who needed time away from the celebrations, and food options chosen with sensory preferences in mind.
The response from families was fantastic, with young people travelling not only from across Coventry and Warwickshire, but from much further afield, including Essex, to be part of the celebration. Their willingness to travel highlighted the growing need for inclusive events that enable every young person to celebrate this important milestone.
The evening was filled with music, dancing, laughter and memorable moments, as young people celebrated with friends and families in an environment designed to help them feel comfortable, confident and included.
One parent shared the impact the event had on her daughter:
“It’s going to give her the opportunity to make those memories and simply enjoy being a teenager.”
We are incredibly proud to have brought this event to our community and are grateful to everyone who helped make it possible, including our staff, volunteers, partners, families and the team at the 147 Club for hosting us.
The prom also received national attention, with BBC News featuring the event and highlighting the importance of creating inclusive opportunities for young people with SEND.
At CWW Mind, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to celebrate life’s milestones in a way that meets their needs. This event is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when inclusion is at the heart of everything we do.
Thank you to everyone who joined us in making the evening so special. Together, let’s keep building spaces where every young person can belong, celebrate and thrive.