In 2024 we were delighted to receive a donation from The Zochonis Charitable Trust to develop a sensory room for Nicole* who lives in Greater Manchester.
Nicole is in her early 40s. She moved to her own home at MacIntyre in 2022 following a number of years in a secure unit miles away from her family where she would spend many hours on her own and lacking stimulation. Her new home means she can now see family and start to enjoy a life that she determines.
Nicole doesn’t use speech to communicate, but staff have worked with Nicole and with support from the MacIntyre Positive Behaviour Support team, to identify the best way in which to support Nicole. It can take Nicole time to get used to new experiences and new items and as she has settled into her new home Nicole has enjoyed going out in the car, trying new foods and music.
There are times when Nicole can become distressed and doesn’t leave the house, so it was considered that a sensory space in the spare bedroom in her home would be useful to help as a distraction and to help Nicole to relax. Using Nicole’s interests, the new sensory space includes tactile panels, sequins, musical panels and lights. The sensory room was completed in June 2025 and, while Nicole is still getting used to all the items, it has already become a lovely space for Nicole to unwind at the end of the day.
Local manager Amy said:
“We’ve been so pleased to see how this new space is helping Nicole to calm herself when she becomes distressed – the colours and tactile items are perfect for her needs. We could not have funded these items without this donation.”
*Name changed
