More than 100 people attended the Summer Sensory Solutions Café at the Great Hall in Downpatrick’s Downshire Hospital, a Regional Mental Health Occupational Therapy showcase highlighting the vital role emotional regulation plays in health, wellbeing and recovery.
The event brought together Service Users, staff and partners to explore how sensory approaches can support emotional regulation and improve everyday functioning. Throughout the day, participants enjoyed a range of interactive activities including a mindfulness walk in the grounds of the Victorian Gardens, Forest Therapy sessions, sensory circuits, gym ball sessions, workshops and discussions on the ‘Impact of Trauma and Sensory Processing.
South Eastern Trust, Mental Health Occupational Therapist Lead, Clare Sheridan-Henry shared how much participants and staff enjoyed the sessions, “There was a great atmosphere in the Great Hall as we enjoyed an interactive day of workshops, presentations, displays and lived experience to focus staff on the importance of sensory needs and well-being.
“Our senses, environment and our emotional regulation directly affect how we function in everyday life and that is why this is the primary role of Occupational Therapists.”
“People can only learn, develop knowledge and skills or recover when they are in the ‘optimal state’ to do so. Occupational Therapy can support a person in identifying and addressing their sensory needs.”
Clare said that the feedback from those attending had been positive, “Participants really enjoyed the range of activities and talks and commented how excellent the practical sensory workshops were. We really had a fantastic turn out and participants said how much they enjoyed visiting the various stalls at their own pace.”