Sensational Thinking Project
The Sensational Thinking Project began in 2018 aiming to make a difference to the lives and experiences of children with sensory processing differences. The project works primarily to support children with autism spectrum disorder. However, sensory processing differences can also affect premature babies, children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), those exposed to trauma and children spending a long time in hospital as an inpatient.
The project’s priority is to work with families, education, health and social care, business and the community to help people better understand sensory processing and how it affects each child to help inform practice. The team provides support to all children affected by sensory differences regardless of clinical diagnosis.
So far, the project has trained more than 1,000 people across Newcastle – including parents, over 300 Newcastle Hospital staff members across different clinical areas and half of the mainstream schools in Newcastle as well as being linked in with Occupational Therapists in specialised schools.
We’ve also funded an additional occupational therapy post as part of this project. The aim is to raise awareness and understanding of sensory processing and development and to create an accessible education ‘toolbox’, including videos to support people to maximise and empower them in helping these children.
Other projets
- We have worked in partnership with NU Foundation to fund two Project Officers at GNCH, who work with children undergoing long-term care. The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation has also helped fund one of these roles, who works directly with children undergoing cancer treatment.
- We recently funded the Colourflash Paddle, an innovative piece of equipment that helps with eye tests for young patients. It’s fun, engaging and makes the tests easier for both staff, patients and their parents!
