The Ballamona Association for Mental Health has recently donated ?4,320 to install new sensory Voyerger equipment for the Gansey EMI Older People’s Day Centre at Southlands in Port St Mary. Research has shown that such equipment can be beneficial for dementia and related health issues. The Centre caters for the needs of older people who have mental health problems and is open from Monday to Friday for residents from the local community. The Minister for Social Care Hon Martyn Quayle MHK commented: “My Department is striving to meet the needs of the Island’s older people by providing an increasing range of community-based services in addition to established residential services. We are very grateful to the Ballamona Association for Mental Health for their kind donation. The Department is committed to ensuring that the needs of people with dementia are met using a range of therapy and support. This new equipment will play an important role in achieving this.” The Ballamona Association for Mental Health is a Registered Manx Charity and has been in existence since 1966 when it was founded as Ballamona (Hospital) League of Friends. Members raise funds for the provision of amenities and comforts outside of the statutory departmental provisions. Originally the Association provided only for patients residing in Ballamona Hospital, however nowadays people experiencing problems such as dementia and memory loss or any mental health issues living in the community and residential accommodation are also supported by the Association. Their trustees and members are all volunteers committed to supporting and assisting those in our community who may not be in a position to buy much needed items. The Association has built a strong reputation for supporting many varied and innovative projects that enhance client care and provide comforts. Those diagnosed with dementia and memory loss may experience symptoms such as agitation, restlessness and disorientation. The sensory equipment provided comprises of a bubble tube, fibre optic curtain, projector, MP3 player and a mirror. All equipment can be appreciated through sight, sound and touch. Staff at the Gansey Day Centre use the equipment provided by the Association to create a calming relaxing atmosphere. They give hand massage to service users who in turn can listen to gentle music in the sensory room while watching a water filled tube with beads that move and change colour. Users can also interact with the equipment and change the tube’s colour via a large remote control. Images such as tropical fish and clouds are projected on a wall creating soothing shapes. Fibre optic lights, tactile panels with various textures along with mirror balls are also in use to create the soothing ambiance. The Department is very grateful to the Association for this and other equipment they have purchased such as electrically operated beds and pressure mattresses. In this financial climate the funding of all this equipment is a very generous donation and truly appreciated. Ends