Residents, partners and council representatives gathered at Victoria Park to celebrate the unveiling of new communication boards designed to support children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), particularly those who are non-verbal.
The boards, now installed in Victoria Park and Westy Park, provide children and families with practical tools to communicate during their visits. Featuring clear pictures, symbols and words, they enable children to express their needs, feelings and choices more easily – from asking for help to inviting others to play.
The initiative was inspired and driven by local young person Nathan Jack. In June last year, Nathan Jack wrote an article calling for communication boards to be introduced in local parks, drawing on his own experiences of growing up with autism and facing challenges with communication, friendship and isolation. He was also motivated by his younger brother, who is autistic and non-verbal.
Nathan said in his article: “I don’t want him growing up feeling the way I did,” and “Everyone should have the chance to communicate their way.”
Living with selective mutism and communication differences himself, Nathan understood the barriers children can face in parks and social settings. He wanted to ensure that children who cannot speak, or who struggle with speech, can still express themselves, join in play, interact with others and feel included.
Despite finding verbal communication difficult, Nathan took the initiative to contact local MPs and Warrington Borough Council using written communication — the method that works best for him — to advocate for change and highlight that communication is a fundamental right.
Soon after the council’s public health and parks teams contacted Nathan and his family after reading his article, offering to support him in taking the idea forward. The council then worked closely with Nathan and his family to co-design boards tailored to local needs.
Nathan Jack had the honour of officially unveiling the first board at his local park, joined by pupils and staff from Green Lane School.
The new installations are part of the council’s commitment to creating more inclusive public spaces, enabling children with SEND to communicate with confidence and fully enjoy outdoor activities.
Feedback from residents will help shape the next phase of the project, with plans to explore further roll-out across the borough if successful.
Cllr Tony Higgins, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Social Care, said: “This project shows what we can achieve when we listen to our residents and work together. Nathan and his family have played a vital role in creating something that will make a real difference to children and families across our borough.”
Nathan’s mother, Amy, said: “Seeing Nathan‑Jack’s mission come to life is amazing. It was always about giving every child a voice and a chance to communicate, and helping our community build meaningful relationships. Communication is for everyone.”
