NHS charity funds therapeutic room for people with learning disabilities
A new psychology therapy room has been unveiled at Greenfields, thanks to funding from Birmingham Community Healthcare Charity’s (BCHC) Safe Spaces scheme.
The scheme, set up using a grant from NHS Charities Together, aimed to enhance indoor and outdoor spaces to make them more inviting, more relaxing, and better suited for patients, service users, and Team BCHC staff.
The artwork has been created by Learning Disabilities (LD) service users.
The initiative started when the psychology staff at the hospital approached the Charity to discuss transforming the old clinical room.
Dr Laura Carrington, Clinical Psychologist in the Community LD Team, explained: “Our goal was to move away from traditional, sterile, and uninviting settings, which may unintentionally heighten anxiety or discomfort, especially for those who have experienced trauma.
“We were mindful that some of our services users have autism and/or sensory needs, and so this was also taken into consideration when designing the room.”
“The renovation allowed the team to create a room that truly supports healing and emotional safety, including soft, dimmable lighting to create a soothing atmosphere, acoustic flooring, and blinds to enhance privacy.
“Comfortable seating and soft furnishings were selected to add warmth and comfort, with added plants to create a sense of calm and grounding.
“Some service users have already offered their thoughts, stating that ‘It is a nice, relaxing room to be in’, and ‘I feel more comfortable in this room.”
A unique aspect of the room is the inclusion of original artwork created by LD service users and carers during a collaborative workshop with a professional artist.
BCHC Charity funded a session with artist Sabrina Jaques who supported and inspired them to create incredible and meaningful pieces.
These artworks were thoughtfully designed to complement the rooms décor while also being therapeutic and soothing to view.
One service user said, “Seeing my artwork on the wall makes me feel so proud.”
Dr Carrington continued: “Having a calming and soothing space to talk with clients in has a real therapeutic benefit to our work.
“If clients feel more relaxed and safer in the room, then they are more able to talk about difficult things.”
Enhancing the environment for service users, their carers, and the staff who support them is just one way in which BCHC Charity helps make a difference.
To find out more and support the work the charity does for Learning Disabilities service, visit their JustGiving appeal page, or to find out more about the charity, get in touch at [email protected].
