Sensory suitcase developed by Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust for people with a learning disability gets funding
A team from Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust has developed an innovative idea for a sensory suitcase to support people with a learning disability who are admitted to hospital.
They were among several teams who took part in an internal 'Dragon's Den' style bid for funding for projects to support people who have been admitted to a mental health or learning disability unit in Sussex.
The panel of 'dragons' comprised of staff from Sussex Partnership and Experts by Experience.
One of the projects to secure funding was pitched by representatives from the Selden Centre, an inpatient unit which supports people who have a learning disability.
Jodie Ide, an occupational therapist and Kirsty Taylor, a speech and language therapist, along with Josh, an expert by experience from Team Springwell, presented their idea to the panel of 'dragons' for a sensory suitcase for people with learning disabilities.
The idea stemmed from a project delivered by Team Springwell, a group of experts by experience of learning disability and complex physical and mental health.
They identified that sensory needs were often high among people supported by the Selden Centre, but many were unable to access the static sensory room, due to distress, unfamiliarity with the space, or risk‑related restrictions.
The suitcase, which will contain a range of items, including tactile objects, weighted products and visual sensory tools, is designed to be wheeled around the ward and used during visits with families to provide opportunities for safe, meaningful engagement.
Jodie Ide, an occupational therapist, said: “Patients at the Selden Centre often have highly complex sensory needs but may not be able to access the sensory room when distressed.
“Having mobile, tailored resources means sensory support can be delivered where the person feels most comfortable, helping to reduce distress, support regulation, and improve communication.”
Josh played a key role in shaping the idea for the sensory suitcase and faced the ‘dragons’ on the day.
He said: “I love the sensory room because it’s so relaxing, but there’s only one room and not everyone can use it.
“I told the ‘dragons’ that rather than people going to the sensory room, the sensory room could be mobile and go to the other rooms.
“If someone has had a rough day, the sensory suitcase can help to relax them, or it can be used when family are visiting.
The sensory suitcase will help to make someone’s stay in hospital more enjoyable feel better. We want to help people feel better and be able to go home. I was so happy when we got the money.”
The 'Dragon's Den' initiative was designed to enable staff to develop innovative ideas to support people who have been admitted to a mental health or learning disability unit in Sussex.
Other ideas which received funding after being pitched to the 'dragons' include the design of sensory gardens and rooms and purchase of interactive projectors for patients to help prevent cognitive and physical decline and reduce distress.