A new sensory waiting room has opened at Dorset Healthcare’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) clinic in Poole.
The sensory adapted space has been created following feedback from local people and is aimed at neurodivergent children and young people. It’s focused on those who may feel anxious in busy clinical environments – including those with autism, ADHD or sensory processing differences.
Dorset HealthCare CAMHS colleagues, a peer specialist and local MP. L-R: Helen Duncan-Jordan – head of CAMHS, William Gallini-Poole – peer specialist, Neil Duncan-Jordan – Poole MP, Nikita Adams – CAMHS and mental health support teams in schools (MHST) participation development lead, Hannah Newbound – CAMHS family practitioner, Jane Steggall – CAMHS neurodevelopmental practitioner, Tatiana Mendes-Marques – CAMHS family practitioner, Martyna Rokosz – CAMHS neurodevelopmental practitioner, Julie Atkin – CAMHS clinical service manager, Michele Whitaker – CAMHS admin lead, Coran Godfrey – student mental health nurse. Photo credit: Neil Duncan-Jordan MP
Martyna Rokosz, neurodevelopmental practitioner in Poole CAMHS team said: ” It will provide a support setting that promotes dignity and comfort for neurodivergent young people who often find traditional clinical waiting rooms overwhelming.”
Neurodivergent young people make up around 80 percent of CAMHS patients, and traditional clinical waiting areas can increase anxiety and create barriers to accessing care. In some cases, stopping young people from getting care at all. Rokosz said: “This project was developed with input from neurodivergent young people and reflects our Trust’s ongoing commitment to creating inclusive healthcare environments that recognise and respond to the diverse needs of children and young people.”
The new waiting room in Shaftesbury Road clinic reflects this year’s Children’s Mental Health Week theme – This is My Place – by creating a calm, welcoming, and inclusive environment, reducing anxiety and sensory overload, and helping young people feel safe and comfortable whilst waiting for appointments. Rokosz adds: “By reducing common sensory triggers that can lead to distress or disengagement, the space supports young people to feel calmer, safer and more able to access care.”
William Gallini-Poole, a young neurodivergent peer specialist and discovery peer coordinator for Dorset Mental Health Forum, was at the opening of the new waiting room. He said: “Waiting was always the hardest part. Something like this would have genuinely changed that experience, making it feel easier, more natural, and far less overwhelming. It really warms my heart.”
Sensory waiting room opening.Neil Duncan-Jordan – Poole MP, William Gallini-Poole – peer specialist and Julie Atkin – CAMHS clinical service manager.
The waiting room was opened by Poole MP Neil Duncan. He said: “Making our NHS accessible for everyone is a key to making a modern service fit for the 21st century. Coming to a clinic for some neurodivergent children is a major challenge – and the environment they experience can make or break whether they even go through the door.” The sensory-friendly waiting room is set to change perspective on going to the clinic. Nikita Adams, CAMHS and mental health support teams participation development lead, said: ” In CAMHS we truly believe it’s important that people’s experiences, stories and voices influence service design and delivery, and the sensory waiting room project is an example of patients voices being heard.”
During Children’s Mental Health Week, Dorset Health care will be sharing social media posts about how the Dorset CAMHS team involves children, young people and families in the service. It ensures their voices are heard on things that matter to them, giving them a chance to help shape the future of young people’s care services.
For more information on CAMHS visit www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/CAMHS. If you feel you’re in crisis, please call Connection – Dorset’s 24/7 mental health support helpline for all ages – on 0800 652 0190.