MULTI-SENSORY AREA

Allington's main multi-sensory unit (formerly called Snoezelen) is located at Walker Close in Ipswich. A second service is provied at Lothingland, near Lowestoft. The Ipswich service is provided Mondays to Fridays between 9.00am and 5.00pm and some evenings by prior arrangement. Sessions last 30 minutes or a full hour, according to need.

Multi-sensory environments provide opportunities for:

• Stimulation/Relaxation
• Personal exploration and reflection
• Expansion of communication skills
• Bonding and sharing feelings and emotions
• Positioning to help correct or prevent deformity
• Leisure

The Ipswich unit caters principally for:

• Adults with learning disabilities
• Children with special needs
• People who have profound physical handicap
• Those with stress related conditions
• Those with sensory impairment

The Lothingland unit caters for adults and children with learning disabilities.

The Ipswich multi-sensory unit is run by the Occupational Therapy Department under the supervision of the Head Occupational Therapist. All staff have received specialised training in multi-sensory techniques. This therapy service is used primarily by adults and children with learning disabilities, although other individuals and/or groups can be accommodated. We also provide consultation, design and training for others who are planning to set up a multi-sensory service.

How to refer

Quality Standards
Referrals for multi-sensory therapy will be acknowledged within three working days of the referral.

Allington NHS Trust also acts as a national resource and organises national conferences in this field.