Peartree Sensory Room
HertfordshireA new and improved sensory room for young people with learning disabilities was officially opened by Wooden Spoon Hertfordshire’s Honorary President, Ben Ransom and Hertfordshire Chairman, John Batters on the 3rd of March 2023 at Jubilee House Care Trust, Peartree Short Break Centre. The opening welcomed members from The Wooden Spoon Charity, Jubilee House staff and trustees as well as local councillors and commissioners from Hertfordshire County Council.
Peartree Short Break Centre, based in Welwyn Garden City, provides support for young people aged 5-18 with additional needs, including complex health and Autism, from across Hertfordshire and surrounding areas.
Last year, Peartree’s building celebrated its 18th Birthday and when it opened all those years ago, the sensory room was cutting edge and very modern in its concept. 18 years later, the sensory room, in much of its original state, was old, not working well and no longer meeting the needs of the children and young people.
Through the generosity of the children’s charity Wooden Spoon a brand-new sensory room was installed at the end of February. The new room features state of the art technology, including interactive bubble wall and light tube, an infinity mirror and surround sound Bluetooth speakers.
The updated room can now provide a safe space for the young people to enjoy during their time at Peartree, as well as a place they can go to self-regulate.
A new family came to visit recently, and the first thing they said when they saw the sensory room was “wow”! They commented on how amazing the sensory room was and their child spent their whole visit in the room, he enjoyed it so much that he did not want to leave.
Sam Perry, Head of Children’s Services said “On behalf of Jubilee House Care Trust, our staff team, the children, and their families, I would like to thank the Wooden Spoon Charity for funding our wonderful new sensory room. The room will provide endless hours of enjoyment for our young people and for that we are truly grateful.