Harborne charity's Santa's grotto tailors every visit for children and adults with SEND

A Harborne charity is making sure that meeting Father Christmas is a magical experience for everyone this year, with a Santa's grotto where every visit is tailored to the needs of children and adults with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Focus Birmingham, which supports people with sight loss and complex needs, will run its fully accessible grotto on Saturday 5 December as part of its annual Christmas fair at its centre on Woodville Road, Birmingham Live reported.

Built around each visitor

For many families, a trip to see Santa means long queues, bright lights, unfamiliar surroundings and unpredictable noise, all of which can make the experience overwhelming or impossible for people with sight loss, complex needs or sensory sensitivities.

At the Focus grotto, visits are booked in advance so that each one can be prepared for the individual. That might mean adjusting the lighting, reducing noise or simply allowing someone more time with Father Christmas.

Michelle Williams, director of services and development at Focus, said: "Christmas should be magical for everyone, but traditional festive attractions aren't always accessible to people with sight loss, complex needs or sensory sensitivities."

"At Focus, we take the time to understand each visitor's needs and adapt their experience accordingly," she said. "Whether it's adjusting the lighting, reducing noise or simply allowing someone more time with Santa, it's about making sure everyone can enjoy a little Christmas magic."

Santa isn't just for children

The grotto is open to adults as well as children. "We warmly welcome adults who would love to experience the magic of meeting Father Christmas, whatever their age or support needs," Ms Williams said.

The grotto will run from 12pm to 3pm, but booking ahead is what allows the charity to tailor each experience to the family.

Reindeer, crafts and carols

The wider Christmas fair is open to all, with stalls selling handmade gifts and crafts, choir performances, a tombola and games. There will also be real reindeer for visitors to meet and feed.

Businesses can play their part too. Tracy Johnson, income generation and partnerships manager at Focus, said companies could support the event "by donating a gift or experience to the Christmas raffle, which will raise funds for the charity's work with people with sight loss and complex needs."

How to go

The Focus Birmingham Christmas fair and SEND grotto take place on Saturday 5 December at 48 to 62 Woodville Road, Harborne, B17 9AT. Grotto visits should be booked in advance through the charity's website, where families can share any needs so the visit can be planned around them.

Focus has supported people with visual impairments and complex needs in Birmingham for many years, and events like this one are a reminder that small changes, a quieter room or a little more time, can open up a family tradition to everyone.