New sensory room supports young people’s mental health at Forest House

14 Apr 26

A new sensory room has been created at Forest House, one of our inpatient units for children and young people who are facing mental health challenges.

An unfurnished room with a bed and wooden furniture prior to being refurbished. A partially refurbished room with green walls unfinished wooden furniture and materials stored inside. A completed sensory room with calming purple lighting cushioned walls soft mats and interactive sensory panels.

The space has been designed to improve the therapeutic environment and better support autistic and neurodivergent young people. It provides a calm, inclusive setting that helps young people regulate their emotions and engage in therapeutic activity.

The sensory room has been transformed with exciting features including an abstract tactile panel which is wall mounted and includes diverse, abstract shapes and contrasting textures designed to stimulate touch and sight. There is an interactive floor projector and colour based games designed to improve memory, colour recognition and motor skills. The room is also lit with LED lighting and floor projections.

The room is already having a positive impact for young people staying at Forest House. It is being used to support regulation and de-escalation, improve focus and develop skills such as self-soothing and communication in a safe, calming space.

Shameza Mahmood, Inpatient Pathway Operational Manager at Forest House, said:
“The young people are delighted with the new addition to Forest House and we are so pleased with the positive effect it is having. It gives us another way to engage with them in a way that feels fun, supportive and tailored to their individual needs.”

The sensory room forms part of the Trust’s ongoing commitment to creating therapeutic environments that are inclusive, person-centred and responsive to the needs of children and young people receiving inpatient mental health care.

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New sensory room supports young people’s mental health at Forest House