VITALFEST: A CULTURAL AND INCLUSIVE CELEBRATION
On the 27th of October, ViTALFEST took place at Bush Hall, Shepherd’s Bush. The day began with a SEND session from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, developed in collaboration with Manor School.
Young people with special educational needs participated in an arts and crafts activity led by Khamani, the founder of KJ Craft Time. Khamani is a talented individual with dystonia, a physical disability that affects mobility and causes random tremors. His experiences have inspired him to develop a range of arts and crafts tailored for special educational needs (SEN).
We showcased KJ Craft Time, offering a variety of educational craft boxes designed to spark children’s imaginations and enhance their fine motor skills. The new SEN range featured adaptive tools, such as ergonomic brushes, to make arts and crafts accessible to children of all abilities, promoting creativity and inclusivity.
This session allowed young participants to express themselves through art, using tools specifically designed for SEND needs. A sensory table was set up on one side of the hall, thoughtfully designed to create an inviting space for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). This table was filled with various sensory toys, including vibrant, stretchy slime, textured fidget toys, and soothing putty, all chosen to engage different senses and promote exploration.
As the children approached the table, their faces lit up with curiosity and excitement. Many eagerly dived into the hands-on experience, manipulating the toys to their preference. Their engagement was evident in their focus on the textures, colours, and sounds. Some children giggled as they squished the slime between their fingers, while others found comfort in the rhythmic motion of the fidget toys.
Additionally, the young people enjoyed a drumming session with Jonathan, an experienced drummer who regularly leads workshops at Manor School, a special school in Brent.
ViTALFEST provided a welcoming environment for young people to explore and play, their joy evident as they filled the hall with laughter and happiness. The excitement was so contagious that even parents and adults joined in.
To ensure a comfortable experience for everyone, a quiet break room was available upstairs, providing a peaceful retreat for those seeking a moment of calm amidst the festivities.
We would like to thank Manor School for partnering with BANG to make the SEND session possible, and for the great work we do together with young people.
Overall, ViTALFEST was a wonderful success, celebrating community spirit, inclusivity, and creativity in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
