The question surrounding mental health and whether a sensory space will contribute to mental health has always excited me. At the Free State Psychiatric Complex, the Occupational Therapy Department is in the process of building a Sensory Space that will be suitable for all individuals “across the lifespan”. With this, it is meant that the sensory space will not only have a paediatric area but will also include a bicycle area/skateboard area suitable for adolescents, a sensory garden and a “quiet space”. The “quiet space” will include a labyrinth and a group area where people can do groups or enjoy a quiet moment on their own.
After many years (20 years) of working in the field of mental health it has come to my attention that group work and a feeling of belonging contributes to the recovery of one’s mental health. It has also become clear that the concepts of mindfulness and repetitive behaviour (like walking in a labyrinth) can often be seen in the behaviour of people with mental health disorders.
The idea behind the sensory space for people “across the lifespan” will incorporate exposure to different sensory experiences and this will not only assist in the deinstitutionalisation of the people that live in our institution, it will also allow adolescents and children that come to the Child Mental Health Care Unit to participate in motor activities or other sensory experiences that will improve their mental health.
However, this is a new concept and the Sensory Space “across the lifespan” will be a prototype and will be adapted or refined as time and experiences allow for it. We hope that it is the first of many Sensory Spaces for people of all ages and we also thank the South African Institute for Sensory Integration for their support and involvement in the project.
Article by: Dr Tharina Annandale (SAISI ASI® beyond childhood representative)
Last Updated on 26 October 2023 by HPCSA Corporate Affairs