IN-patients on the older persons' mental health ward, at Grianagh Court, Braddan, now have the opportunity to use a range of sensory equipment to help them with their well being and recovery from mental illness.

For the past year the older persons' occupational therapists have been developing an approach which stimulates or releases the senses for older people who have become mentally unwell and have needed a period of time in hospital. 

To support the occupational therapist to continue to develop this provision a new mobile sensory unit has been bought. 

The Ballamona Association for Mental Health has kindly funded the cost of the unit.  While starting with older people it will also soon be available for patients on the ward for older adults, thereby benefiting all the patients in Grianagh Court.

These units aim to meet a wide range of needs, from encouraging positive action engagement for those with sensory impairment, either visual or hearing, to promoting rest and relaxation for people who are agitated or distressed.

The unit comprises of a bubble tube, fibre optic curtain, projector, MP3 player and a mirror.  All equipment can be appreciated through sight, sound and touch.

The Ballamona Association for Mental Health supports individuals receiving mental health services who were formerly in Ballamona Hospital and those in need of support in the decade since its closure.

Social Care Minister Martyn Quayle MHK said:  "I would like to publicly thank the Ballamona Association for Mental Health for the ongoing support to our service users.

"This project highlights the positive and innovative services available within the Department of Social Care’s mental heath services to assist people in their recovery.

"The sensory unit helps to provide a stimulating, holistic and therapeutic environment for the service users.  In this financial climate the funding of such a piece of equipment is a very generous donation."