Enhancing sensory activity at the Isobel Rhind Centre

Identifying the need

The Isobel Rhind Centre in Invergordon provides tailored support to adults with learning disabilities through a wide range of bespoke sessional activities.

A key feature of the Centre is its sensory room, used daily by supported people to aid relaxation, stimulation, and wellbeing. Over time, much of the equipment had broken down, reducing the quality of the experience.

The challenge on the ground

Without fully functioning sensory equipment, supported people had reduced opportunities for stimulation, relaxation, or personalised activity sessions. The absence of interactive and calming features meant sessions could not always be tailored to individual needs.

As the only service of its kind in the local area, there was a clear need to refurbish and upgrade the sensory room.

How we responded

In 2024 a grant of £6,480 was provided to the Centre to purchase new sensory equipment including:

• LED mood light and LED infinity tunnel
• interactive shooting star panel and LED rainbow light
• vibroacoustic Abbotsford chair
• softplay speaker set and bubble tube

Together, these additions created a modern sensory environment, offering a wide range of experiences to meet diverse preferences and outcomes.

The change we achieved

For supported people

• The refurbished room now offers greater choice and flexibility.
• Users can select equipment that suits their individual needs - whether calming, interactive, or stimulating.
• Supported people have responded positively to the new experiences, with many making more use of the room as a result.

For staff

• Staff welcomed the transformation, noting that the new equipment made sessions more engaging and effective.
• They reported improved opportunities to deliver personalised support.
• Suggestions for the future included adding even more sensory items and colours to further enrich the environment.