New sensory group for people in our care

The Therapy and Family Support Team at Saint Francis Hospice runs a monthly Sensory Group where people under the care of the hospice come together to reminisce and use their senses. The theme of this month’s group was ‘Autumn’ and here Complementary Therapist Sharon Williams tells us about how the sessions are improving people's well-being.  

Every month we pick a topic and this month we discussed all things related to the season of autumn. It was all about giving everyone the opportunity to use their senses to reflect on their childhood memories of this time of year.  People are encouraged to appreciate being ‘in the moment’ by using all their senses to be completely aware and to enjoy individual experiences to their full potential.

We started off by passing around a basket filled with pinecones, acorns and dried leaves to experience different textures and everyone picked an item. It was so lovely to hear people share what thoughts came to mind and what autumn meant to them.

Playing Falling Leaves by Matt Monroe as people watched images of autumn and leaves falling on the wide screen TV created a relaxing atmosphere. Klaire Craven, who is also a Complementary Therapist at the hospice, then put everyone’s senses to the test as they were given the challenge of identifying the four autumn smells in an aromatherapy blend.

You can’t talk about autumn without mentioning 5th November and Bonfire Night. Our Counsellor Sue Spong read a dramatic poem about the gunpowder plot and people shared their memories of bonfire night, making Guys and watching firework displays. There was also a discussion around where old sayings relating to fire came from such as “there’s no smoke without fire!” 

It was such a lovely interactive session. Gabby Stewart, our Therapies Assistant, was also on hand to support people as they finished off the session with a leaf rubbing and writing down three things, they were grateful for.

Making a difference for the people in our care

It was a wonderful opportunity for people to come together and everyone seemed to enjoy it. Two of the gentlemen who attended said that the group gave them the chance to go out and meet new people as well as to think about just being present in the moment.

Our next group will be held on Thursday 21st December, and you won’t be surprised to know that the next them will be Christmas!