‘Vic-Story-A-Square’ brings a little magic

Mencap Northern Ireland’s Children’s Centre in South Belfast will benefit from a makeover designed by Victoria Square’s centre management team in conjunction with Rebel Events.

The project is the first stage of a longer-term community strategy for the shopping centre, which will work with local groups and organisations to create indoor and outdoor spaces their service users can enjoy – all with that recognisable Victoria Square flair.

Working in partnership with The Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, The Mencap Children’s Centre provides a unique specialist learning environment for children with a learning disability, providing support and advice to families.

The brand-new project dubbed ‘Vic-Story-A Square’ was launched earlier this month and will see a permanent fixture installed at the Children’s Centre featuring an enclosed outdoor reading and seating area, a bug hotel and bird bath, outdoor chalkboards, and an inverted fish tank – to be enjoyed by children aged 2-14.

It is hoped that the various elements included will encourage the children to connect more with nature and help develop their skills.

Michelle Greeves, Centre Manager at Victoria Square explained: “We are delighted to team up with Mencap Northern Ireland to bring this exciting installation to the Children’s Centre. We haven’t been able to bring our much loved activations to the Centre this year given the current climate, therefore we thought we would bring Victoria Square out to the local community and create awesome spaces for people to enjoy. This particular installation is so important as it not only looks fantastic but it actually will help significantly to provide a sense of calm to the children who attend the Centre and assist in developing their sensory and communication skills in a therapeutic outdoor environment.”

Marian Nicholas, Honorary Life Member and Chairperson of Mencap Special Events Committee continued: “We are delighted that Victoria Square has chosen to partner up with Mencap on this project, the installation looks amazing and will undoubtedly provide hours of fun for the kids who attend the Children’s Centre as well as helping them communicate and engage with their surroundings.

“It will no doubt be a different kind of year for the children but hopefully the installation will help provide a sense of normality and relaxation for them and help develop their skills.”

For further information visit: www.victoriasquare.com

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