11 July 2022

From today, CNWL will be gradually distributing new sensory items to all inpatient Mental Health and Learning Disabilities wards in an effort to improve the experiences of autistic people.

The Riverside Centre and Woodland Centre in Hillingdon and Horton Haven are the first to receive these basic sensory kits which have been co-designed with Autism Specialists. These will be used in wards to support patient wellbeing.

Why are we using these items?

We all are sensory beings – we receive information from the world around us through our senses.

Up to 96% of neurodiverse people process sensory information differently; they may be over or under sensitive to specific sights, sounds, smells, touches or textures. This can profoundly affect a person’s health and wellbeing. Sensory processing difficulties may alter participation in everyday life, underlie differences in behaviour, learning, emotion regulation, communication and social interaction.

It is essential that the Trust works to better support the sensory needs of neurodiverse patients; particularly within wards that can be loud, bright and unpredictable.

What are the items?

The basic sensory kit includes a range of sensory items that work to engage the user in various ways, focusing on sight, sound, scents, movement, tactile feeling, and interaction. This includes:

  • Ocean projectors
  • Body rockers & sensory chairs
  • Vibrating Cushions
  • Therapy rocker chair
  • Eye masks
  • Aroma diffusers and oils
  • Herbal teas

CNWL has developed a Ward Sensory Equipment Guide to support the distribution to support the distribution and use of these items – click here to access to booklet.

CNWL is also offering training opportunities for frontline staff so they can increase their understanding of the potential sensory differences experienced by neurodiverse people.

As well as this general training and equipment offer, Inpatient Occupational Therapists are increasing their knowledge and skill in sensory awareness and sensory techniques and many of them are working towards becoming sensory integration practitioners.

CNWL will continue to review and monitor the effectiveness of these items based on the feedback given by patients.