We're Live: Free SEND Sensory Sessions and Family Drop-Ins Every Friday in Halifax

Update, October 2026: SEND sensory sessions and the family drop-in now both run on the 1st to 4th Friday of every month, 10:30am to 12:00pm, in neighbouring rooms.

In a hurry?

• Noa’s Place has launched its first regular provision in Halifax.
• SEND sensory sessions run on the 1st to 4th Friday of every month, from 10:30am to 12:00pm.
• SEND family drop-ins run at the same time, on the 1st to 4th Friday of every month, from 10:30am to 12:00pm, in a neighbouring room.
• Everything is free.
• Reserving a place is recommended for sensory sessions, because spaces are limited.
• Family drop-ins: no booking needed, but letting us know you’re coming helps.
• Both take place at Halifax Elim Church, Hall St, Halifax HX1 5AY.
• No diagnosis is needed.

Full guide below.

If you have been searching for SEND sensory sessions in Halifax, we have some important news.

We are live. Our first regular sessions start now.

Maybe you have been managing alone. Perhaps you have been told to wait, or you have tried groups that were too loud, too busy or not designed with your child in mind. Finding support should not depend on reaching breaking point first.

We know how much planning can go into leaving the house. You may be wondering whether your child will cope, whether you will need to explain everything, or whether there will be somewhere calm to go if the room feels too much.

No family should have to reach crisis before they get support.

That is why we are launching regular Friday sessions for families in Halifax and Calderdale. They are free, welcoming and shaped by what families have told us they need.

Free SEND sensory sessions in Halifax, every month

Our first regular provision gives families a reliable Friday option while we continue building a permanent sensory-first community hub.

The sessions take place at our temporary home, Halifax Elim Church, Hall St, Halifax HX1 5AY.

The sensory session and the family drop-in run at the same time, on the 1st to 4th Friday of every month, in neighbouring rooms.

What’s launching at Noa’s Place?

SEND Sensory Sessions

These are calm, welcoming sessions for children aged 0 to 11 with additional needs.

Children can play, explore and move at their own pace. There is no diagnosis requirement, and no pressure to take part in every activity.

• When: The 1st to 4th Friday of every month
• Time: 10:30am to 12:00pm
• Where: Halifax Elim Church, Hall St, Halifax HX1 5AY
• Cost: Completely free
• Reserving a place: Recommended, because spaces are limited
• Who can come: Children aged 0 to 11 with additional needs, with their siblings, carers or grandparents

You can find out more about our SEND sensory sessions in Halifax.

SEND Family Drop-In

The family drop-in is a relaxed space for parents, carers and grandparents.

You can come for a chat, a free cuppa and some time with people who understand the everyday reality of SEND family life. Local professionals will also share information about the support they offer.

There is no agenda to follow. You can ask questions, listen, or simply sit with a drink.

• When: The 1st to 4th Friday of every month, at the same time as the sensory session
• Time: 10:30am to 12:00pm
• Where: Halifax Elim Church, Hall St, Halifax HX1 5AY
• Cost: Completely free
• Booking: No booking needed, but letting us know you’re coming helps
• Optional: Let us know you are coming so we can plan refreshments and welcome you

Parents, carers and grandparents are all welcome. You can also come without your child.

Holiday sensory sessions

We will also run extra sensory sessions during every school holiday.

This includes:

• October half term
• Christmas
• February half term
• Easter
• May half term
• The summer holidays

We add the dates to our holiday sensory sessions page, usually 3 to 4 weeks before each school holiday. Spaces are limited, and booking is required for holiday sessions.

You can see the latest information about SEND holiday sensory sessions in Halifax.

What actually happens in a session?

The sensory sessions are arranged into gentle zones. Children can choose where they feel safest and move between areas in a way that suits them. If you would like to understand more about sensory load and early signs of overwhelm, our guide to sensory overload for SEND parents explains more.

There is no pressure to join in, sit still or stay for the full session.

A calm corner

The calm corner has soft lighting, sensory tents and bean bags.

It gives children a quieter place to pause, settle or spend most of the session if that feels right for them.

Move and play

The move and play area includes trampolines, climbing and a ball pool.

Some children enjoy active movement. Others may visit for a short time before returning to a calmer area.

Focus and create

This zone includes sensory trays, sorting games and other hands-on activities.

Children can explore without being rushed or expected to complete an activity in a particular way.

Family space

Siblings, carers and grandparents are welcome throughout the session.

There is room to stay close to your child, meet other families or take a quiet moment together.

Numbers are kept small. Each visit lasts about 90 minutes.

A gentle arrival and goodbye

Arrivals and goodbyes are planned carefully because transitions can be difficult for many children.

When you arrive, there is calm music and a simple visual tour of the room. This gives your family time to see where things are before choosing what to do.

The session then follows a free-flow format. You can stay in one zone or move around the room.

At the end, the lights and sounds soften for a gentle wind-down. There may be story time if a child would like it.

Sessions are led by SEND professionals. The team members are DBS-checked, the sessions are risk-assessed and liability insurance is in place.

Welcome to Leila, our Children & Family Support Lead

We are also delighted to share that Leila Jones is now officially our Children & Family Support Lead.

Leila is a trauma-informed psychotherapist who works with children, young people and adults. Her background includes inclusive theatre, veterinary nursing and care.

She lives in Ripponden with her husband and their two sons.

Leila brings warmth, experience and a strong understanding of how support can feel for children and families. We are very pleased to have her helping shape this next stage of Noa’s Place.

What families told us

Our story began because families told us they were being left to cope alone.

The summer pilot at Little Stars Family Hub helped us understand what families needed from regular SEND support. They told us that calm, choice, small numbers and a welcoming environment mattered.

Families shared:

“My daughter loved it. Lovely, quiet and relaxing.”

This came from a parent whose daughter does not usually talk to others or play independently. On the day, she felt comfortable doing both.

“My children felt completely comfortable being themselves, with lots of different activities to choose from.”

“Relaxed, free-flow environment, safe, meaning all could relax.”

These words helped shape the provision we are launching now.

They showed us that a session does not need to be crowded or complicated to be valuable. It needs to give families room to breathe. It needs to offer choice. It needs to feel welcoming from the moment you arrive.

Who this is for

The SEND sensory sessions are for:

• Children aged 0 to 11 with additional needs
• Children who do not have a diagnosis
• Siblings who come with their family
• Parents, carers and grandparents

The family drop-in is for:

• Parents
• Carers
• Grandparents
• Adults who want information, support or a friendly conversation
• Adults who want to come without their child

If you are unsure which session is right for your family, please get in touch with us. You do not need to have the perfect words before asking.

Support for families in Halifax and Calderdale

Noa’s Place is a registered charity in Halifax, West Yorkshire, charity number 1217825.

Our sessions are for families across Halifax, Calderdale and the wider West Yorkshire area. We know that finding suitable SEND support locally can take time and energy. A regular Friday option can make it easier to plan ahead.

The temporary venue is Halifax Elim Church, Hall St, Halifax HX1 5AY.

Please check the individual session pages before travelling, especially for holiday dates and the latest details.

How to come along

For regular Friday sensory sessions, reserving a place is recommended, because spaces are limited.

Reserve a place at a SEND sensory session.

For the family drop-in, no booking is needed, but letting us know you’re coming helps. Come along to Halifax Elim Church during the session time.

It helps us plan refreshments and prepare a warm welcome.

Find out about the SEND family drop-in.

Holiday sensory sessions are different: booking is required. We add the dates to our holiday sensory sessions page, usually 3 to 4 weeks before each school holiday.

Check the holiday sensory session information.

What’s next for Noa’s Place?

This launch is an important step for our charity.

Our community is very much active, and sessions are running while we build. The permanent sensory-first community hub is still being built and is not open yet.

The vision is a permanent space designed around the needs of neurodivergent and disabled people and their families. Until then, these regular sessions give families something they can rely on each month.

We will continue learning from families as the work grows. Your experiences, ideas and feedback will help shape what comes next.

Frequently asked questions

Is a diagnosis needed?

No. A diagnosis is not needed for the SEND sensory sessions. They are for children aged 0 to 11 with additional needs. If you are unsure whether a session is suitable for your child, please contact us first and we can help you decide.

Are the sessions really free?

Yes. The regular sensory sessions and family drop-ins are completely free. The provision is funded by an £18,000 National Lottery grant. There is no entry charge, and the family drop-in includes free tea, coffee and snacks.

Can siblings come too?

Yes. Siblings are welcome at the sensory sessions, along with parents, carers and grandparents. The family space gives everyone room to stay together.

What if my child finds new places hard?

The team takes time with arrivals. There is calm music and a simple visual tour of the room before your child chooses where to go. There is no pressure to join in or stay for the full session. You can also contact us before coming if you have questions.

Is the family drop-in only for parents?

No. Parents, carers and grandparents are welcome. Adults can also attend without their child. You can come for a free drink, a conversation, information from local professionals or some quiet time with people who understand SEND family life.

Do we need to reserve a place for a sensory session?

Reserving a place is recommended, because sensory sessions have limited spaces. Holiday sensory sessions are different: booking is required. The family drop-in is different again: no booking needed, but letting us know you’re coming helps.

We know that trying something new can take courage and careful planning. If your family has been waiting for support that feels calm, kind and practical, we hope these sessions give you somewhere to start.

Save the Friday dates. Share this with another family in Halifax or Calderdale who may find it useful. And if you are unsure whether a session is right for you, get in touch.

You are welcome exactly as you are.

Together we make space.

More from our blog

• Autism-friendly days out near Halifax
• What is sensory overload? A guide for SEND parents in Halifax and West Yorkshire
• Finding a sensory room near me and why these spaces matter for SEND families

Sources

• Noa’s Place SEND Sensory Sessions in Halifax
• Noa’s Place SEND Family Drop-In in Halifax
• Noa’s Place SEND Holiday Sensory Sessions in Halifax