From unused office to sensory haven thanks to haircut fundraiser

Hft Service Manager Mercedes chopped off her locks to raise £2,000 towards the revamp

A disused office at Hft’s residential service in the Forest of Dean has been turned into a new sensory space.

Mercedes Cowmeadow, Service Manager at Hft’s Coalway service, collected sponsorship to cut off her long hair, raising £2,000 towards the revamp.

The money has been spent on transforming the disused office into a new sensory room for the four young men who live there to enjoy.

Each was integral in deciding how the new space should look, with the walls painted in their favourite colours – pink, blue, green and purple.

One of the walls features a beach scene, with sand being mixed with the paint to give it a sensory texture and there is a sensory wall, with textured mats and fidget boards.

Those living at the service have also hung pictures of themselves on the walls to highlight the many adventures they enjoy, from trips to the beach and holidays.

The room has been furnished with comfy beanbags, foam mats and fibreoptic lighting – including a bubble lamp.

There is also a new sound system and tablet to allow individuals to listen to the music they wish and create playlists.

Diffusers have been placed in the room, allowing a range of scents to fill the air.

Rhys, who lives at the service, rolled up his sleeves to help with the work, prepping the walls ready to decorate.

His housemate Joe also got involved, helping to assemble the specialist lighting for the room.

Hft Support Worker Sian Davies said: “The room before was an unused office space with a desk and a few chairs.

“The individuals who live here were keen to see it made into a space which they could use, either as a group or a place just to chill out.

“They were all key in inputting into the design and coming up with suggestions about how they wanted it to look and what they would like to see in there.”

Although the room is a communal space, a timetable has been introduced, allowing each of the men to have time there alone, should they wish.

Ormiston Service Manager Mercedes said: “Previously the room was an additional space which was uninvitingly dull and had no purpose to all we support.

“It is now the main hub of the home and is used on a daily basis. Individuals are able to utilise the space with their supporting staff and there are also slots allocated for joint use.

“It is a vibrant space all can enjoy and build on their socialising skills and encourages cognitive, motor, and social skill development, also reducing boredom which has led to reduced behaviours being presented.

“We are grateful for all donations received and the efforts made by the team to develop the sensory room for all at Ormiston.”