Project overview
Project Type: Sensory Environment
Location: Greater Manchester, United Kingdom
Client: Miocare Group
Sector: Healthcare / Community Care
Primary Users: Patients, service users and support staff
Introduction
Miocare Group provides a wide range of care and support services across Greater Manchester, supporting individuals with diverse health and wellbeing needs.
To enhance the support available to service users, Miocare introduced a dedicated sensory environment designed to help individuals regulate sensory input, relax and engage with therapeutic sensory experiences.
The installation provides a calm and supportive space where service users can step away from the busy care environment and benefit from a carefully designed sensory setting.
The challenge
Healthcare and care environments can sometimes be stressful for individuals receiving support. Clinical settings, unfamiliar surroundings and busy environments can create sensory challenges for some service users.
Miocare wanted to introduce a sensory environment that would provide a calm space where individuals could relax and regulate sensory input.
The aim was to create an environment that could support wellbeing while complementing the wider care services provided by the organisation.
The challenge was to design a sensory space that would support a wide range of service users while remaining suitable for use within a professional care setting.
“From the initial contact right through to on-site advice, planning and installation – our experience of working with Experia was a very positive one. A great service at a competitive price! The MioCare Group has long been looking to offer its own Sensory Room package and the results delivered by Experia have far exceeded our expectations. In the short time the room’s been in use, we’ve seen some tremendous outcomes for the people that need such a facility. It is a real asset that is fast becoming more and more in demand.”
Terry Evans, Service Manager at the MioCare Group
Experia design approach
Experia worked closely with the Miocare team to design a sensory environment that supports relaxation, sensory engagement and emotional regulation.
The design focused on creating a calm environment that contrasts with the busy nature of healthcare settings while remaining welcoming and accessible.
Key design considerations included:
• creating a relaxing atmosphere through controlled lighting
• introducing interactive sensory elements that encourage engagement
• providing comfortable spaces where service users can relax
• ensuring the environment could be easily supervised by staff
The result is a sensory environment that supports both therapeutic use and relaxation.
Key sensory features
The sensory environment incorporates a range of elements designed to support sensory regulation and wellbeing.
Features include:
• bubble tube lighting creating gentle visual movement
• fibre optic lighting providing calming colour transitions
• comfortable soft seating areas for relaxation
• interactive sensory elements encouraging exploration
Together these features create an environment where service users can engage with sensory experiences at their own pace.
Before and after transformation
Before the installation, the available space within the facility did not provide a dedicated environment for sensory regulation or relaxation.
Through careful design and installation, the space was transformed into a multi-sensory environment that now supports service users and staff within the healthcare setting.
The transformation demonstrates how sensory environments can enhance care facilities by providing a calm and supportive space for individuals who benefit from sensory engagement.
How the space is used
Service users utilise the sensory environment during support sessions or when they need a calm space to relax.
The room allows individuals to regulate sensory input in a supportive environment that encourages exploration and relaxation.
Staff also use the space during structured activities designed to support emotional regulation and sensory engagement.
The outcome
The sensory environment has become an important resource within the Miocare facility, providing a space where individuals can relax and engage with sensory experiences that support wellbeing.
By introducing a dedicated sensory environment, Miocare has enhanced its ability to support service users who benefit from calm and structured sensory experiences.
The project demonstrates how sensory environments can play a valuable role in modern healthcare and community care settings.
Experia perspective
“Care environments can be challenging for individuals who benefit from calm sensory experiences. Well-designed sensory environments provide a space where people can relax, regulate sensory input and feel more comfortable.”
Gareth Jones, Founder and CEO, Experia
Planning a sensory environment?
Experia designs and installs sensory environments for schools, healthcare organisations and public venues around the world.
If you are planning a sensory environment and would like expert advice, our team would be happy to help.
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Learn more about sensory environments
What Is a Sensory Room
Sensory Room Design Guide
Sensory Room Equipment Guide
Sensory Room Planning Guide
Sensory Room Cost Guide