A Calming Space in the Heart of Your Shopping Experience

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Book your Sensory Nook session today and come experience the space for yourself.

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Relax – Explore – Unwind

Autism Plus Nook Stop provides neurodivergent and disabled individuals with safe, supportive spaces in
UK shopping centres to decompress, regulate, and fully participate in shopping and social experiences.

Our vision is simple: A future where every major UK shopping centre offers dedicated sensory spaces, making retail
environments accessible and inclusive for neurodivergent individuals and their families.

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The Nook Stop made shopping stress-free for my daughter. Having a quiet space to reset changed everything. We finally feel included!

Emma

Parent of a Neurodivergent Child

Calming, sensory-controlled environment
Comfortable seating to relax
Reduced lighting & sound-minimised space
A welcoming, supportive atmosphere
A Quiet, Inclusive Space Designed for Comfort & Well-being

What to Expect & Why It Matters

Shopping centres can be overwhelming, but Sensory Nook provides a safe retreat for neurodivergent individuals and those with sensory sensitivities. Whether you need a moment to reset or a quiet place to decompress, our thoughtfully designed space is here for you.

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Because everyone deserves to feel comfortable and included in public spaces.

  • Encourages inclusive, stress-free shopping
  • Designed by experts for real needs
  • Reduces sensory overload in busy spaces
  • Supports neurodivergent individuals & families

Take a Look Around in 360°

Explore our first Sensory Nook at Frenchgate, Doncaster in 360°. Navigate through the calming space and see what makes each Nook unique.

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FAQs

Got a Question? We’re Happy to Help

Not sure which Nook suits you best? Want to know more about accessibility or how to book? You’ll find all the answers here – and if not, just leave us a message below.

Each Sensory Nook is designed to support different needs: 

  • Nook Escape / Nook UV – Ideal for proactive calming and gentle tactile stimulation, especially for individuals with sensory sensitivities or visual impairments. UV lighting, tactile features and fibre optics are included. 
  • Nook Interactive / XXXL – Best for proactive interactive distraction, often used in special needs education settings. These include features like interactive wall panels and LED light tubes. 
  • Nook Shelter – Specifically designed to be wheelchair accessible, offering full-height fibre optic carpet, activity panels and extra space to support individuals with mobility needs. 
  • Nook Support – A quiet, focused space ideal for meeting sessions, 1:1 support, or when calm and quiet sitting to read, write or draw are needed. 

If you’re unsure, feel free to contact us with your specific needs and we’ll be happy to recommend the best option. 

Yes – our Nook Shelter is fully wheelchair-friendly, with: 

  • Extra interior space 
  • Open-sided design 
  • Accessible sensory features at an appropriate height 

It’s designed specifically to provide high-quality sensory support for wheelchair users. 

Please click here to book a Nook. Select Continue on the Nook you’d like to book, then the Book Now button will appear. From there, choose your preferred date and time, fill in your details, and you’re all set.

The £5 charge per Nook is to cover the staffing and running costs of the Nook Stop.  All proceeds go to Autism Plus and will be used to enable the Nook Stop to be open to the public more days and hours during the week.

The charge is per Sensory Nook, not per person.  Each Nook Pod has its recommended capacity indicated.  The Escape for example is recommended to be used by one user at a time for maximum effect.  The Interactive XXXL can fit up to 4 people comfortably.

The Nook Stop is designed to support self-regulation and anxiety reduction to enable visitors to the shopping centre to stay longer and have a more enjoyable and relaxed visit.  30 minutes is the optimum time for a sensory recharge.  Longer than this and visitors may become too relaxed to continue their outing.

Payment is taken during a booking. We accept card, Apple/Google Pay.

Absolutely. You can reschedule or cancel at any time via your Customer Dashboard. You’ll find a link to manage your booking in your email confirmation. 

Please try to arrive on time to make the most of your session. If you’re running late, we’ll do our best to accommodate, but session times may be reduced depending on availability. 

Yes – we take cleanliness and hygiene seriously. Each Nook is thoroughly cleaned and sanitised between bookings to ensure a safe environment for every guest. 

Absolutely. All our equipment is: 

  • Designed for safe sensory use 
  • Regularly checked and maintained 
  • Supervised while in use where appropriate 

If you have any specific concerns or needs, just let us know in advance. 

Yes – a carer or support worker is welcome to accompany the person using the Nook. Just ensure the total number of people fits within the capacity of the chosen pod. 

Yes! We welcome schools, SEN groups, and other organisations. Please get in touch directly to discuss group sessions or bespoke requirements. 

The Nook Stop will be staffed when open by Autism Plus trained team members.  They are there to look after the Nook Stop, manage your booking and to provide assistance and information at all times.  The Autism Plus Team are also available to guide you through Autism Plus’ care and employment support available to families and individuals.

About Nook Stop

The Nook Stop is the result of a collaboration between Autism Plus, a leading neurodiversity charity, and two forward thinking socially conscious businesses focused on improving the wellbeing of all people throughout society.

The Frenchgate Nook Stop is the first of it’s kind with the aim to see more appear in shopping centres and high streets across the UK, to improve accessibility and empower neurodivergent people to enjoy a shopping excursion in safety.

100% of proceeds from hire of Sensory Nook Pods inside the Nook Stop go towards helping Autism Plus deliver this unique and valuable service.

nook stop Frenchgate Doncaster

About Autism Plus

We support adults and young people with autism, learning disabilities, mental health conditions and complex needs. We employ over 450 people covering the north of England in care support services, employment support and social enterprise businesses.

We are passionate about supporting people to grow and develop independence. We live this passion through our mission, vision and Autism Plus philosophy which are at the heart of everything we do.

Email: info@autismplus.co.uk
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About AmbiSpace Ltd

AmbiSpace is leading the way in specialist design and manufacture of inclusive sensory solutions. With a passion for accessibility and inclusion, we are making the world a more accessible place through innovative products and creative expert services that make sensory support readily accessible to all.

As a conscientious business we employ neurodivergent people and aim to share our success with the wider community through initiatives like the Autism Plus Nook Stop.

Email: info@ambispace.co.uk
Visit AmbiSpace

About Nook Pod Ltd

We specialise in neuroinclusive design, striving to create environments that cater to everyone’s needs, especially those who are neurodiverse. We believe in involving our community in the design process to ensure our solutions are genuinely effective and inclusive. Our mission is to empower organisations to realise the full potential of their spaces and the people who use them.

Working with partners like Ambispace and Autism Plus our innovative multi-purpose mobile pods, create solutions that promote comfort, inclusivity, accessibility and efficiency.

Email: hello@nookpod.com
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Want to Know More? Get in Touch