The new LinkAble Calm Space
The latest addition to our facilities
Inspired by the great success of our refurbished Sensory Room, we have created a brand-new area at our centre.
The ‘Calm Space’ is a place where members of the LinkAble community can take some time out and reduce their sensory load.
What's in the new Calm Space?
In this relaxing and comfortable space, you will find lots of calming sensory equipment, including a blackout tent, a fish tank bubble tube, soft flooring, beanbags and sensory toys. These items offer opportunities for soothing experiences away from the hustle and bustle of our main hall.
Depending on individual preferences, we can introduce tactile items such as slippery shaving foam or a drum so that our children and facilitators can connect through the gentle vibrations. We are incredibly grateful to The Starburst Foundation, who donated many items for this room. This new space just wouldn't have been possible without their generosity.
How is it different from the Sensory Room?
Our Sensory Room can become quite busy with all the sounds and lights - which is perfect if the person using it wants that type of sensory engagement. However, we have individuals who greatly benefit from a calmer sensory experience, so we designed this room with their needs in mind. We noticed that certain people, particularly some of our under-18s, were seeking out the quieter areas of our centre. So, we responded by creating a bespoke space just for them.
We pride ourselves on really knowing the people that attend our groups. We know how to connect with them, their individual needs and preferences, and we can always tell if they are feeling overwhelmed and need additional support. This new space means there will always be somewhere quiet where we can provide a gentle sensory experience to meet the specific needs of our more sensitive children.