Learning Disabilities Week: From sensory support to community change

15 Jun 26

Learning Disabilities Week is an opportunity to highlight the fantastic work of our learning disability colleagues and on this occasion, how personalised care supported one service user to thrive and make a difference in his community.

John* was referred to HPFT’s Occupational Therapy service during a major transition in his life. After attending the same school from early childhood to age 19, John and his family were preparing for what came next.

John has a learning disability and autism. At this stage, it was important to understand his strengths and support needs so that barriers to daily activities could be reduced and he could build independence.

Following assessment, John began attending sessions with his mum in the sensory rooms at Spinks Lane Therapy Centre. With support from HPFT staff, they explored how sensory differences were affecting his daily life, mood and behaviour and developed practical strategies to help at home and in the community.

The impact was clear. John’s mum described the weekly sessions as a “reset button” that helped him feel calmer and more able to cope.

Over time, John showed improved communication, increased confidence and greater involvement in everyday activities such as cooking. He also developed a better understanding of what helps him feel calm. One of these strategies was creating a sensory bag with items like fidget toys and ear defenders, which he now uses when out in the community.

Inspired by the difference this support had made, John and his mum wanted to help others. Using what they had learned through HPFT, they worked together to create a sensory space in their local church.

Colourful sensory room with a wall mural of Noah’s Ark and animals, a rainbow overhead, soft purple lighting, fibre optic lights, beanbags and tactile play equipment.

The ‘Noah’s Ark Sensory Room’ is now a calm and welcoming environment for people with additional needs. John helped design the space and choose equipment. He also created sensory bags for others to use during services, helping to make support more accessible. The room has already enabled more people to attend and feel included in church life. John has also taken on a new role in helping to maintain the space - something he is proud of.

John’s mum said:
“I have seen how much a calm, sensory-friendly space can help him feel settled, safe, and able to take part. Wanting him, and others like him, to feel truly included in church life planted the seed for what has become this wonderful space.”

*John – not his real name

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Learning Disabilities Week: From sensory support to community change