Eden Park welcomes Access Community Health as new sensory room partner

A new partnership between Eden Park and leading community health provider, Access Community Health will see the stadium sensory room, a dedicated quiet space for people who love live events but find the experience overwhelming due to the heightened crowds and noise, now known as the Access Community Health Sensory Room.

Nick Sautner, Eden Park CEO said, “We are delighted to welcome Access Community Health to our family of partners. We pride ourselves on being an inclusive stadium and this partnership further reinforces that commitment.

“We have seen firsthand the benefit this space has brought to many sports and music fans who otherwise wouldn’t be able to attend and enjoy a live event. Partnering with Access Community Health now ensures that we have an experienced and skilled person available in the sensory room at all events to help fans who need some time out from the stadium environment.

Located in the South Stand on Level 3, this room has been specially designed to provide a calming and accommodating space for people with sensory needs and reflects Eden Park’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity and ensuring that everyone who attends an event at Eden Park feels welcomed, comfortable and safe at the stadium.

“We recognise the importance of creating an inclusive and safe atmosphere where everyone can share in the excitement of an event. We are pleased to be partnering with Access Community Health to provide this space and we look forward to expanding our services over the coming months,” said Mr Sautner.

Androulla Kotrotsos, Chief Executive Officer Access Community Health adds “At Access Community Health our ultimate goal is to support everyone across our diverse communities, cultures and social groups, for the best quality of life, no matter their individual support needs. Many of our tāngata/people have hidden disabilities and rely on building their own ecosystems within their own communities, so for Access to partner with an organisation that is also striving to ensure barriers are removed and considerations like a sensory room are normalised, is really exciting for us.  We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to amplify the voices of our communities and partner with a likeminded organisation like Eden Park.”

In addition to the sensory room, Eden Park has dedicated wheelchair and companion seating around the stadium, sound sensitivity stations which dispense free earplugs and is a member of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network.