Switch off with Beyond Submergence: Free tickets offered to world-first light show to those with special education needs and disabilities (SEND) in Bristol

Feeder Road’s go-to spot for culture, Propyard, is offering 300 free tickets to Squidsoup’s Beyond Submergence exhibition before its closing day on Friday 29th September. Tickets are being made available to parents or caregivers of neurodivergent children, as well as individuals with disabilities or those encountering financial constraints, who have not yet had the opportunity to experience the world-first immersive light show.

Based on a pilot scheme run by Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust (AWP), a group of individuals under the care of their Bristol & South Glos Early Intervention in Psychosis Team attended the exhibition with hugely positive findings. A well-being scale was completed before and after the visit with encouraging results. Following the exhibition, there was a substantial rise in levels of happiness, confidence, overall wellness, interpersonal comfort, and optimism for the future.

From today, individuals are able to redeem their free ticket to visit the exhibition by emailing exhibition@propyard.co.uk. Propyard is providing a chance to fully switch off from everyday life, and marvel at the magical lights and soundscape. Designed to be seen from any angle, the artworks are both inclusive and immersive, and individuals follow the lights and sound through the exhibit, with a spectacular finale under a canopy of lights.

Jacob Kelly, Mental Health Support Worker at AWP, said:

“Everyone had a fantastic time and found the space to be very calming and really settling. The space gave patients a chance to switch off from all the busy negative thoughts, and got the chance to meet new people with shared experiences which helps build self-confidence, self-esteem and reduce thoughts of shame, guilt and stigma.”

Sam Watts, Head of Programming at Propyard said:

“We are honoured to hear such an amazing response from this recent visit to Beyond Submergence. At Propyard, we want to create a space that shares positivity and well-being and allows people to take a break from their daily lives. Squidsoup has done an amazing job transforming Propyard’s industrial space and has created a magical and inclusive experience that clearly has a positive impact on people’s mental health. Being able to give away 300 free tickets to allow everyone to experience the joys of Beyond Submergence before the exhibition comes to a close next week is such a privilege.”