A LEAFLET has been produced to help ease the stresses which can surround Halloween for those within the neurodiverse community and the elderly.
The leaflet, which includes a poster which can be placed on a gateway, in a window or on a front door, asks people who are ‘trick or treating’ not to visit the property.
Newcastle’s ADHD Hub, at Savoy Lane, is a collection point for the leaflets, which were produced by Newry, Mourne and Down Policing and Community Safety Partnership.
Local councillor, Jill Truesdale, who chairs the partnership’s committee which looks at dealing with tackling antisocial behaviour, has teamed up with the Hub for this initiative.
The organisation’s founder, Janet Ward, has welcomed the project, and explained that events, such as Halloween, can be “incredibly difficult for neurodivergent kids”, while Councillor Truesdale explained it is hoped the posters will help children and adults who do not want to join in.
“This is simply asking for ‘trick or treaters’ not to come to the door,” she said.
“Halloween can be a difficult time for many of our neurodiversity community as they often take in every little detail of their surroundings and so many children and adults who do want to join in are completely overwhelmed by the noise, smells, eerie music, costumes and so on.
“Recognising these challenges and finding ways to adapt and support their unique needs is important during this time.”
Ms Truesdale added that the leaflet “is one small measure people can take to politely ask ‘trick or treaters’ not to come to their door”.
She continued: “Individuals with ADHD, autism, or other neurodivergent traits may feel marginalised, judged, or excluded from these types of holidays and we, as a society, must keep inclusivity at the top of all event management and planning.
“This is something which I thread through my work as a councillor and through motions and organisations I am involved with.”
The district’s PCSP is made up of councillors and independent people who work to make the community safer, by focussing on the policing and community safety issues that matter most in the local area.
Cllr Truesdale added: “I would like to thank PCSP for producing this leaflet, and for keeping inclusiveness at the top of all their literature and planning.
“We are extremely fortunate in council to have a hardworking fantastic team of individuals working in our PCSP. I have been so impressed by the dedication and commitment of everyone involved.”
Janet Ward continued: “This holiday is much-loved by many kids but it is also incredibly difficult for neurodivergent kids, and we don’t need anyone making it harder.
“Our Hub has been decorated by Dana from The Art Factory in a sensitive and low-key way, so please do bring your children in as a gentle introduction into the fun side of Halloween.”
She added that the Hub will run an ADHD-friendly sensory Halloween event on Sunday the 27th of October at 1pm.
Cllr Truesdale concluded by suggesting that these leaflets “are not just for one particular group”, and that “they can be used by elderly people who also do not want ‘trick or treaters’ coming to the door”.
If the Hub is closed, copies of the leaflet can be found on the plastic box mounted on its front wall.
