A beautiful new sensory room is providing a safe, calm space where mental health consumers can manage distress and develop strategies to support emotional regulation.
The room is the first of its kind for Metro South Health and gives consumers experiencing acute mental health challenges access to a range of sensory tools and strategies designed to help them feel regulated, alert, grounded, safe and focused.
MSAMHS Sensory Lead Belinda Dinga said the new space, located on Ward 2J, reflected a growing focus on finding less restrictive ways to support people when they were acutely unwell.
“Sensory modulation offers an alternative approach to caring for consumers who are experiencing significant distress and where there is a risk of harm to themselves or others,” she said.
“The room allows consumers to recognise when they are becoming distressed and, with support from staff, learn how sensory strategies can help them manage those feelings before their distress escalates.”
Along with a range of sensory modulation tools including weighted items, tactile objects, visual stimulation, arts and crafts, a relaxation chair providing deep pressure, LED lighting and relaxation music, the room features a large artwork decal of scenic Mt Barney.
Mental Health Occupational Therapist Martin Staines played a key role in designing the room and said the image was selected through a co-design process involving consumers and staff on 2J.
“Everything in the room has been intentionally chosen to appeal to each of the senses and create a sense of calm,” he said.
“The beautiful wall decal is no exception and was the finishing touch in creating an environment where our consumers can relax, learn and develop strategies that may help them regulate their emotions.”
The room was brought to life thanks to the collaboration of a team of mental health professionals passionate about the role of sensory modulation in a consumer’s recovery journey.
“This room wouldn’t have been possible without the collaboration of Occupational Therapists Tina Ha and Martin Staines, Ward 2J Nurse Unit Manager Rafael Melgar and the 2J nursing team, and Allied Health Team Leader Clint Nelson,” Belinda said.
“We are also very grateful to have the support of MSAMHS Director Allied Health and current Acting Executive Director Geoffry Lau, the MSAMHS Sensory Approaches Steering Committee and the MSAMHS Least Restrictive Way Committee.”
The sensory room officially opened on 7 October.