Encounter Youth announces new sensory space, making it easier for kids like Charlie Nicolson to join the Schoolies celebration
School life is coming to an end for the class of ’24, and with that comes a myriad of emotions for parents. Elation at the thought of throwing that stinky lunch box in the bin forever and sadness at the realisation that those little feet you were just getting fitted for their first pair of school sandals, are about to step out into the big wide world. And of course, there’s trepidation, as school leavers look to celebrate their milestone achievement.
For Mid North mum, Kristin Nicolson, milestones are extra special, and getting her 18-year-old son Charlie through his school years, and now helping him prepare for Victor Harbor’s Schoolies Festival is definitely something worth celebrating.
Charlie has a disability, but that doesn’t affect his need for social inclusion. He may face challenges that no other kid at school has had to face, but he’s made it through his schooling, he’s survived some major surgeries with the scars to prove it, and he’s ready to celebrate the end of year 12, just like the other students in his year.
“Going to schoolies was 100 per cent Charlie’s idea. It probably wouldn’t have been a suggestion that came out of my mouth,” Kristin said.
“I put him off for weeks before coming to the conclusion that I can’t stop him from doing things like everyone else. Even if I’m scared, I can’t stop him.”
So while hesitantly navigating plans to include Charlie in the Victor Harbor Schoolies Festival, Kristin was elated at the announcement of Encounter Youth’s introduction of Australia’s first sensory space at a school leavers celebration.
“The new sensory space, as well as other initiatives Encounter Youth have in place to make the event inclusive, are brilliant,” she said.
“They also have a Sunflower system, which means young people can wear a sunflower pin or lanyard to identify themselves as a person with a hidden disability. These kids deserve to be able to celebrate just like everyone else.”
Like many, Charlie’s disability is almost invisible on the outside. He was born with 22Q – a genetic condition that affects many parts of the body, can cause intellectual disability, learning and social challenges, and speech and language difficulties.
Charlie, who also has cerebral palsy, had been through major heart surgery and endured many operations by the age of nine months old, and in 2022 underwent a huge spinal alignment to correct severe scoliosis. But now, he’s off to Schoolies!
Nigel Knowles, Chief Executive Officer of Encounter Youth, believes that the new sensory initiative will significantly enhance the well-being of school leavers and set a new standard for inclusivity at major events across the country.
“The sensory space will provide a quiet, controlled environment equipped with various sensory tools, snacks and water, and will be staffed by trained volunteers,” he said.
The introduction of the sensory space aligns with Encounter Youth’s holistic approach to harm minimisation and inclusion, ensuring that all young people can fully enjoy their school leaver celebrations, while having access to necessary resources to help them regulate and feel safe.
Encounter Youth will also be offering an opportunity to help young people familiarise themselves with the festival site and alleviate any concerns with a pre-festival tour.
This addition of the Schoolies Festival sensory space has been made possible thanks to the generous support of Fleurieu Plan Management, a local NDIS plan management service, along with four other local NDIS providers.
For all the information about the Schoolies Festival sensory space or to reserve a spot on the tour, click here.
