With a stunning total of 484 plants and trees planted, the installation features ten new benches and eight flower planters. The new garden, reflects the quest of Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL) to make services friendlier for those with sensitive sense perceptions, such as autism. This is where Talkback members’ suggestions have been so valuable.
Blooming at different times of the year, the trees and plants are all touchable, with a range of smells and textures. The garden includes fruit trees to provide a source of homegrown produce. There are also small greenhouses to allow patients to grow seasonal herbs and vegetables.
Improving the sensory rooms
Managed by CNWL, funds have also been invested in new equipment, along with upgrades to the sensory and de-escalation rooms, including:
- Robopets, interactive toys which have the characteristics of pets.
- Bespoke sensory equipment such as an arm chair, vibrating bean bag, a magnetic LED projector, Plug n Play interactive floor, fibre optic curtains, custom UV carpet.
- Sensory items such as lava lamps, fidget toy cubes, stress balls, fitness balance boards, heat pads, weighted blankets, bean bags, mood lights, black out blinds.
A special opening ceremony for the sensory garden
A special event was held to officially open the garden attended by Councillor Emily Darlington, Cabinet Member for Adults, Housing and Healthy Communities and Milton Keynes Council. As well as, Lesley Halford, Service Director of CNWL’s Milton Keynes Mental Health Services. Players and coaches from the Milton Keynes Dons Football Club Sport and Education Trust (MKDonsSET), officially cut the ribbon.
Simon Steed, who attended on behalf of Talkback, commented: “Thank you for thinking of autism and for allowing our members to have a voice within this project. Because to see the reality of our members’ ideas come to fruition is fantastic.”
This amazing initiative demonstrates what can be achieved when organisations collaborate effectively. It will make a huge difference to the lives of the unit’s inpatients and to users with autism. It is evident from looking round the garden and sensory room that Talkback members have been listened to. The results are fantastic.
What do people think?
Speaking during the event, Cllr Darlington said: “I’m so pleased we’ve all been able to come together at the Campbell Centre to create such a space for people who really need it. During Covid, we really learnt how important it is to have access to green spaces and the value of being near nature. Thank you to all the staff, volunteers and others who have contributed. I really hope this garden becomes a space of peace, recovery, and a place of help for patients. I know you all share that ambition.”
Lesley Halford, Service Director of Milton Keynes Mental Health Services for CNWL said: “I am so proud of the work that everyone has put in to help us become more sensory friendly. A good sensory environment is an effective treatment approach that provides support and has benefits for everyone. We have developed both the inside and outside space and have a range of sensory equipment. This will aid people’s recovery and provide a wonderful safe space for relaxation and reflection.”
An Autism Reality Bus visited the centre to give CNWL staff the opportunity to ‘stand in the shoes’ of someone who experiences sensory difficulties. Training on autism spectrum interventions (ASI), is also now available to staff.
Working together
The MK Dons Sport and Education Trust also work in conjunction with CNWL. Delivering a project for 18 to 25-year olds, using football as a means of improving mental health. And the collaborations don’t end there. The CNWL are holding the second Autism Awareness Conference for the health sector in Milton Keynes, designed in partnership with Talkback. The aim is to better understand the experiences of service users to improve services and make them more accessible.
We know the future can look healthier when people work together. It’s only common sensory!
