PRODUCTS


Sensory cushion provides age-appropriate support


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new cushion designed to address feedback about sensory products being ‘too childlike’ has been launched by charity, Designability. The Bud Sensory Cushion is aimed at people in the later stages of dementia who can experience restlessness and agitation. Fiona Cromwell of Designability


explains: “There was a real lack of age-appropriate products on the market and we wanted something that wouldn’t look out of place in someone’s home, which is why we went for a


contemporary cushion design which would look discreet when folded back together.” Created to provide ‘occupation without a challenge’, its design comes from the findings of the charity’s research into sensory products. The study revealed that those in


the later stages of dementia interact with sensory products in numerous ways, including running their fingers along and feeling the edges of clothing and furniture, holding hands and objects, picking and pulling items


such as clothing, as well as stroking and arranging, rummaging and rustling. Alongside featuring these


elements into the new cushion’s design, the Bud also includes the opportunity to personalise the product for each individual, adding objects in the cushion to be discovered to help the person reminisce, such as meaningful photographs and items like jewellery. Having designed the product, Designability has now partnered with retailer, Find Memory Care, to bring the product to market.


www.designability.org.uk www.findsignage.co.uk


Card game opens up dialogue on mental health


offer an approachable and enjoyable platform to promote discussion of serious mental health issues and to practice supportive skills and exercises. “An initiative such as Book of


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new card game has been unveiled that will act as an aid to help teachers and parents speak to


children about mental health issues. Book of Beasties is a fun and easy-to-


learn game where players team up with characters, Oscar, Abigail & Mimic. Together they must use weird and


wonderful contraptions to help bizarre creatures that have escaped through a mysterious portal from another dimension. The central focus of the game is to


Beasties is sorely needed for our children if they are to stand a chance of being emotionally functional, happy adults,” said Mae Harris of Haseltine School in Sydenham, which trialled the game among pupils.


A spokesman for Book of Beasties added: “We have seen this method of mental health education work first-hand, with students opening up about their personal issues to special education needs co-ordinators and other school representatives involved in the trials. “It has even encouraged some to help


others feel more comfortable talking about such a sensitive subject.”


www.bookofbeasties.com mhdf magazine 11


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