Fuller's pub to show sensory friendly Six Nations

The Cabbage Patch in Twickenham, a Fuller's pub, is set to host a sensory friendly screening of England vs Wales in the Guinness Men's Six Nations.

This will be the first screening of its kind at The Cabbage Patch and will see the match on Saturday 15 March shown in a separate room to the rest of the pub, with subtle changes to the viewing environment.

Changes include subtitles on one of the three televisions, no adverts, lower than usual sound levels, and fidget toys and noise blockers such as earplugs available. These changes aim to help people with sensory difficulties have a more positive experience than they may have in a traditional pub setting, giving an opportunity to watch the match with friends and family and enjoy the pub experience.

"The Cabbage Patch is already world-famous for rugby and I want us to become famous for being an inclusive environment too," says Stuart Green, general manager of The Cabbage Patch. "This sensory friendly screening brings together everything that we’re passionate about here at The Patch – ensuring everyone can enjoy rugby in a way that they find safe and comfortable.

"Having worked with a number of people with autism and other intellectual disabilities, I’ve seen how important it is to those individuals to have spaces like this – that help cater to sensory difficulties. It’s also so important to their families – to have a space where they can come together, socialise and have a good time."

For a number of years, Green has worked closely with local organisations such as Choice Support and Fuller’s charity partner Special Olympics GB to offer employment opportunities to people who are neurodiverse or have intellectual disabilities.

"If this adapted screening goes well, I will definitely look at hosting similar events for the upcoming Women’s Six Nations matches," he adds. "I realise that not every pub will have the space or capacity to follow suit, but hopefully it will lead to more venues undertaking similar sensory friendly screenings."

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