Multisensory & Mental Health

 

Senses are a central part of our lives. They wake us up in the morning, inspire us throughout the day, and help us get to sleep at night. They spark joy, colour and enjoyment into our existence.

However, when our senses fall out of balance, our emotions can quickly fall out of balance, too.

People with a mental illness are more likely to be hyper-aware of their senses, making them acutely receptive to the environment they find themselves in. Feeling things more vividly is brilliant, but it also threatens the stability of mood. And feeling over or under-stimulated can be quite problematic.

Multisensory Spaces were conceptualised to help stabilise senses. They provide safe, controlled environments for people to recalibrate their senses on their own terms. Multisensory areas positively affect users’ mental health, reducing feelings of anxiety, stress and aggression (Wiglesworth & Farnworth, 2016). Because of this, sensory activities have become a popular therapy method in a wide range of environments, from schools to healthcare centres.

At Rhino UK, we have over 40 years of combined experience designing and creating specialist sensory environments. From family-friendly sensory areas in CAMHs wards and Namaste Rooms for patients with dementia, to calming de-escalation rooms in specialist mental health centres. We’re experts in sensory, and we’re excited to help you on your sensory journey.

 

Calming multisensory room

Benefits of Sensory in Mental Health Settings:

  • Safely Relieve Stress: Sensory areas are safe spaces designed for patients to self-regulate their behaviour. They’re also great places to relieve stress in a safe environment away from clinical hospital formalities.
  • Physical & Emotional Support: Sensory stimulation has been proven to benefit mental health patients. From youngsters’ ability to play independently to those starting their rehabilitation journey, learning self-regulation and relaxation strategies.
  • Complementary Therapy: After a difficult session with a member of the psychological wellbeing team, individuals can enjoy a safe space to contemplate and relax independently.

 

Sensory in Mental Health Environments:

  • De-Escalation & Isolation Rooms – Cushioning emotional fallouts. Rhino Safety Padding helps patients stay safe in the right way, providing comfort and protection from self-harm.
  • CAMHS, Children’s Mental Health – Sensory aids support emotional skills, helping children become more aware of their senses. Calming and relaxing, sensory rooms provide a warm, safe space away from clinical wards, and they also double as great spaces to play individually or with family members.
  • Adult Mental Health – Whether it’s soft mood lighting to help relax those with autism or providing a safe space to learn important social skills. Sensory areas can help individuals prepare to successfully live independently.
  • Elderly Mental Health – Calming sensory rooms are great for offering elderly individuals with Dementia, Huntingdon’s and Alzheimer’s an opportunity to relax. Special sensory resources also provide a sense of independence, building their confidence.

 

Our Top Sensory Features for Mental Health Environments:

  • LED Sky Ceilings: perfect for transporting you to another world, letting your imagination take you away to a more calming place. They’re also a great way to introduce natural environments into indoor areas without taking up any floor space.
  • Interactive Projectors: Our collection of interactive motion-controlled sensory projectors are filled with worlds of imaginative play; swing your arms to paint rainbows across the sky or walk along lilypads in a picturesque pond. Our projectors can be safely installed within ceilings, keeping them up and out of the way, limiting the possibility of damage.
  • Anti-ligature Furniture: and protective cases for tv & entertainment features, making spaces even safer for individuals.
  • Safety Padding: For walls, floors and sensory equipment. We can also make custom padding to fit windows, doors, and other areas that could cause nasty bumps or bruises.
  • Sensit Chair: Part-chair, part-beanbag, part-sensory experience, the Protac Sensit Chair has been specifically designed to stimulate the senses. With a soft foam core and mouldable ball filling, its comfort and pressure makes for a secure and comfortable sitting experience.
  • LED Wall Wash: Let individuals create an environment that fits their mood by using a handy colour control pad and the soft rainbow of colours radiating from the LED wall wash.

Mental Health Products & Services 

Get in touch with us today to learn more about our services and start your sensory journey!