LIGHT and sound have created a haven of peace in a new sensory room launched in March.

Cambs Times: Launch of new sensory room at Mencap March. Left: Lawrence Woolsey and Neil Mitchell.Launch of new sensory room at Mencap March. Left: Lawrence Woolsey and Neil Mitchell. (Image: Archant)

Disability charity, Cambridgeshire Mencap, opened the room within their art workshops to give people with learning disabilities a place to enjoy relaxation.

Artworks, a base for art, craft and drama classes for people with learning disabilities, has added another activity to its programme with the purpose built room within its workshop opposite the Oliver Cromwelll Hotel.

Helen Thurley, Head of Community Services at Cambridgeshire Mencap, said: “We know from experience how important it is to provide service users with a separate ‘chill-out’ space that they can access when they need time away from group activities. “This sensory room has been designed to be a calm space where individuals attending Fenland Artworks can relax and enjoy different light effects, textures and sounds.”

The room, which was created within the larger interior space of the High Street premises, features a variety of sensory equipment and specialist lighting.

Deb Matthysz, Creative Art Tutor at Fenland Artworks, said: “We’ve been amazed and overwhelmed by the support we’ve received for this project.

“The construction and finish of the sensory room has been entirely funded by donations of cash and materials from local companies, individuals and community groups.”

She added they were considering opening the room to people with a learning disability outside of the Artworks service.

Neil Mitchell, a care worker at Belmont Road care home, said a lot of clients enjoyed the music and light combination as it was relaxing time away from their daily routine.