Case Studies

Seaton S.T.A.R. Flat Sensory Room Back In Action

“My child loves using the S.T.A.R. Flat sensory room as it offers a peaceful escape from the outside world. The calming lights, soothing sounds, and soft textures create a safe space where she can relax, explore, and engage her different senses.”

Jane, Seaton resident

“Our sensory room had been out of action for a few months due to one of our play items needing swapped out. The team at All Life Chances not only replaced that particular piece of sensory equipment for us, but thanks to a couple of their volunteers, we also benefited from some helpful electrical work.”

Gillian Urquhart, Administrator, S.T.A.R. Flat

Background

The sensory room at the S.T.A.R Flat is a valuable resource for local families in Seaton. It provides a calming yet stimulating environment that supports sensory development and well-being. However, it had to be closed temporarily because its main piece of sensory equipment, comprising large bubble tubes, needed to be replaced.

Support required

Help was needed to remove the existing plastic bubble tubes and replace them with new ones. The tubes then had to be filled with special, distilled water, before sea creature toys were added to them; the tubes being large and fairly cumbersome to move. Power sockets also needed to be installed by a qualified electrician. Finally, a new sensory carpet was laid, replacing one that was 20 years old.

Support provided

We organised a team of volunteers who:

Swapped out old bubble tubes for new ones
Undertook electrical work
Laid new fibre optic sensory carpet

Impact

Installing bubble tubes in a sensory room can have a significant positive impact on families, especially those with children who have sensory processing challenges.

Key benefits include:

Calming Effect: The gentle movement of bubbles and the soothing light effects can help create a calm and relaxing environment. This is especially beneficial for children who may feel overwhelmed or stressed, offering them a safe space to unwind.
Sensory Stimulation: Bubble tubes provide both visual and tactile stimulation. The movement of the bubbles and changing colors engage the senses, helping children develop their sensory processing abilities.
Focus and Attention: The visual effects of bubble tubes can help improve focus and attention, especially for children with ADHD or autism. The engaging lights and movement can captivate their attention, allowing them to relax and focus better.
Therapeutic Benefits: For children with autism or other developmental disorders, bubble tubes can serve as a form of therapy. They can support emotional regulation and social interaction, particularly in a family setting where the child might feel more comfortable in a familiar environment.
Family Bonding: Families can use the sensory room together, allowing parents and children to engage with the equipment and each other in a calm, positive environment. This fosters bonding and shared experiences, which can be especially important for families dealing with challenges.
Improved Well-being: The use of sensory rooms with bubble tubes promotes relaxation and emotional well-being, offering families a space to connect and recharge. It can also reduce anxiety and agitation, benefiting both children and parents.

Overall, bubble tubes enhance the sensory experience, providing a multi-sensory tool that benefits the development, emotional health, and social interaction of families.

Volunteer support

Many people are keen to give back to the community by offering their time or skills. While they may not be able to commit to long-term roles like becoming a charity trustee or providing regular support, they are often more than willing to help with specific projects. Our job is to connect the right people with the right projects.

Can you help?

Would you like to make a difference for children and young people in Aberdeen? Are you able to offer your time and professional skills to support them?

If so, we’d love to hear from you! For more details, please call 01224 976300 or email hello@alllifechances.org

💙 Together, we can make a real difference.