What The Sense

Aim

Help us build the world's first Sensory & Illusion Activity Centre, supporting people of all ages with additional needs.

My name is Nadia McNicol, and I'm the founder of What The Sense, a Community Interest Company with one ambitious mission: to create the world's first Sensory & Illusion Activity Centre in Scotland.

The inspiration behind this project is my youngest son, Zaidan, who has severe microcephaly, a rare brain condition that has caused his additional support needs. Like many families, we've experienced first-hand how difficult it can, to be stuck on waiting lists, not fitting criteria to get support. It can be hard to find fun, inclusive places where children, teens to seniors with additional needs are truly welcomed, understood and able to enjoy themselves without judgement.

That experience inspired me to think differently.

Instead of creating another sensory room, I wanted to create an exciting destination where children, teenagers, adults and older people could all enjoy incredible experiences together while still receiving the sensory support they need.

Our vision is to build a centre featuring immersive illusion rooms, calming sensory rooms, VR/arcade room, a sensory garden, a community café, and weekly classes, activities and events. It will support babies, children, teenagers, adults, older people living with dementia, families, carers, schools, the NHS, residential services and community organisations.

This isn't just about entertainment. It's about reducing isolation, improving wellbeing, creating opportunities for social connection and giving people a place where they genuinely feel they belong.

We're already working towards that vision by organising community fundraising events, including outdoor cinemas and family experiences, while we raise the funds needed to make the permanent centre a reality.

Every donation, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to opening the doors of What The Sense. Your support will help us purchase equipment, develop immersive experiences and create a place that will change lives for generations to come.

Together, we can build a place where everyone is welcome, everyone is included and everyone can experience the magic of What The Sense.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 28th August 2026 at 6:33pm