Autism-friendly Santa's grotto returning to Merseyside

A Wirral charity is returning its annual autism-friendly Santa’s Grotto for the festive season. Run by autism-aware elves, the grotto allows kids to meet Father Christmas in the run-up to December 25.

The event, held in Autism Together’s Bromborough Pool Cafe, is divided into 15-minute slots, allowing families enough time to chat, sing, and dance with Saint Nicholas and to take a photo at the end. Paying guests will also receive a small toy as a present to take home.

All those involved have received specific training for the grotto and have experience working with autistic people. There are multiple dates available, and they can be booked here. Parents and carers are welcome to attend the grotto for free, however, booking is essential at £8 per child.

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Chloe Jones, fundraising officer for Autism Together, told the ECHO this year more dates have been added at various times to suit busy families. The charity added: "In our experience, 15 minutes is the right amount of time to help reduce queuing and any related anxiety, making time spent at our grotto as stress-free as possible.”

The grotto, located inside, is accessed via an outside walkway. Guests are encouraged to bring festive drawings of present lists for Santa Claus.

All money raised from the Grotto will go back into the charity, helping to fund equipment and resources that broaden experiences and opportunities of the people it support.

There is a number of other magical grottos appearing in Merseyside which you can find here. Alternatively, you can keep up to day with the ECHO's coverage of festival events in general here.