Mayor officially opens new safe space for neurodivergent children

The Mayor of Welwyn Hatfield, Councillor Lynn Chesterman OBE, added a ceremonial touch to the launch of a new dedicated space for neurodivergent children and young people during its official opening.

Located at The Galleria in Hatfield, the new unit – named The Zone – is run by the charity Potential Kids. It is designed to provide a safe, inclusive environment for young people with autism, ADHD, Tourette’s, dyslexia, dyspraxia and other Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), as well as their families.

The opening ceremony was attended by dignitaries, charity founder Angela Gaughan and members of the Potential Kids team. The Zone is an extension of the charity’s existing unit at The Galleria, which offers a sensory room, a tech area and interactive learning zones.

Adjacent to Get Wild, The Zone will host wellbeing sessions, early years support, workshops, mentoring and coaching. It complements the charity’s established services, including a thriving community garden filled with vegetable plots, wildflowers and a sensory area that promotes mental wellbeing, social interaction and environmental education.

Angela said: “I’m so proud that we have been able to create a new space in The Galleria and extend our existing vital service, supporting our neurodivergent children and their families.

“When I started this charity, I recognised just how many families were desperately seeking an inclusive space in which their children could flourish. We have been lucky to have the opportunity to grow at The Galleria over the past six years, and I’m honoured we can now bring another space to the local community in The Zone. I can’t wait to see what the new unit brings and we are so grateful for the support of the local community as we take this journey together.”

Angela founded Potential Kids after struggling to find inclusive activities for her autistic son. The charity’s significant impact on the community was recognised with the King’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2023.

Jhaneel Green, Marketing and Leasing Assistant at The Galleria, said: “We are hugely excited for Potential Kids as they continue to grow and expand their offering at The Galleria. Their service to the local community is invaluable and it’s been amazing to be part of this new opening. They make such a difference and we’re hugely grateful to all the volunteers, families and supporters who have worked tirelessly to make this new unit a reality. We hope the local community will get behind them and continue to support this hugely important cause.”