The Salvation Army launches sensory hub in Bristol South for children with SEND

published on 24 Sep 2026

Young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Knowle West, Bristol, will be able to visit a new Sensory Hub this Friday set up by The Salvation Army. The church and charity has transformed its popular SEND Lego Club into a calmer, more inclusive space for children and young people and their families.

The Sensory Hub will run on Fridays during term time, 4:30pm–6pm, at The Salvation Army Bristol South, 4 Padstow Road, Knowle West BS4 1EN. The hub is open to all under-18s and their carers, with a suggested contribution of 50p per child covering all activities, snacks and toast. There is a cap of 20 children to maintain a safe and accessible environment.

For now, no booking is required — families can simply turn up. The launch responds to a significant local need. In Filwood Ward, where The Salvation Army Hall is located, 19% of pupils receive SEND support and 8% have an education, health and care plan (EHCP). Approximately 64% of children in the area come from low-income families and some primary schools report that more than half of their pupils need some level of support (i).

The Sensory Hub is much more than just a room or an activity — it's a reflection of who we are. At The Salvation Army Bristol South we want every person who walks through our doors, or meets us in the community, to know they are loved, valued and welcome just as they are,

Clare Kinsey, who leads The Salvation Army in Bristol South.

“While other sensory facilities exist in south Bristol, fees can be prohibitive for low-income families, others might be restricted to school times or require transport to reach. If creating spaces like this helps someone to feel safe enough to encounter the hope of Jesus Christ, then it absolutely matters, and we'll always do our best to make that possible.”

The church has transformed its popular SEND Lego Club into a calmer, more inclusive space for children and young people and their families.

The original SEND Lego Club began in October 2023 in response to a need for an after-school space for children with SEND. Over the past two years, it has provided a safe and welcoming environment for primary school-age children, their siblings and parents/carers. The evolution into the Sensory Hub expands the offering to include older children and a broader range of activities.

Activities at The Salvation Army Sensory Hub in Knowle WestFilwood, Bristol include:

a fully equipped sensory room with a bubble tube, fibre optics, wall and floor sensory panels, bean bags and lights
Lego table
aromatherapy activities
sensory crafts
soft play shapes and crash mats
a reading corner
outside sensory play with stepping stones and balance beams.

The hub will now have a sensory room which will provide an escape from noisy, busy, or chaotic everyday environments.

As part of The Salvation Army's mission, Bible Sensory story trays will also be available so children and carers can explore a Bible story each week in a hands-on, relaxed setting if they choose to do so.

Clare said: “Our hope is that the Sensory Hub becomes a place of belonging for people of all ages who might otherwise feel excluded. We want it to not only support children and young people, but parents and carers who may have additional needs themselves or families who just want a safe space with like-minded people.

“The Sensory Hub is run by a dedicated team of volunteers, with particular thanks to Natalie Sparnon, who has taken the lead in researching and developing the new venture. Start-up costs are being covered by existing resources and kind donations, but ongoing funding is needed to continue the opportunity and make the outside space more accessible, including new equipment, shelters and sensory planting.”

To learn more about other community programmes offered by The Salvation Army in Bristol visit the website: https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/bristol-southhttps://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/bristol-south.