LIBRARIES Unlimited has launched a new leaflet and set of resources to help children, young people and families with neuro-diverse conditions explore some of Devon’s more accessible outdoor spaces.

Commissioned by Devon County Council to run the libraries in Devon, the charity’s new Outdoor Explorer Club features five trails across the county, each with a short story, an audio recording, and clear accessibility information.

Braille copies of the leaflet are available by request, and printed copies can be collected from selected Devon and Torbay libraries.

The project, funded by Devon County Council, has been co-produced by Libraries Unlimited with Champions for Change, a network of SEND young people, and local SEND schools.

A partnership with Sound Communities also allowed for young people to be paid for their contributions, gaining valuable work experience through the process.

Partners include Devon County Council, Autism Oxford, National Trust, Devon Wildlife Trust, Dartmoor National Park, Forestry England, Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust and Sound Communities.

Libraries Unlimited developed the resources after local consultation with SEND children and young people who reported barriers to getting outdoors.

The result is a practical and inclusive guide for families with children aged 8 and over to enjoy Heddon’s Mouth, Riverside Valley Park, Berry Head, Haldon Forest and Burrator Arboretum.

Alex Kittow, Chief Executive of Libraries Unlimited, said: ‘Libraries are now these wonderful accessible spaces for neuro-diverse families with sensory areas, accessible performances and even video tours of all of our libraries which can be explored before visiting.

,Our libraries welcome everyone. And now we are using stories that people come to the library for, to help those families explore the incredible outdoor spaces that our beautiful county has to offer!’

The Outdoor Explorer Club leaflets are now available from libraries across Devon, including Newton Abbot.

More details and downloadable resources are online at: librariesunlimited.org.uk/outdoor-explorer-club