Cherry Ward is an 18‑bed acute mental health ward for women who are often admitted during times of distress, crisis, and overwhelming emotion. Many of the women we support have experienced trauma, anxiety, and sensory overload, which can make it difficult to communicate their needs when things feel too much.

Although we have a sensory room space, it isn’t currently equipped to offer the calming, therapeutic support our patients need. This means we rely heavily on verbal de-escalation and PRN medication, with limited options for early, non‑medication‑based intervention.

We want to change that.

By creating a fully equipped, trauma‑sensitive sensory room, we can offer a safe and soothing environment that helps patients regulate their emotions, reduce distress, and regain a sense of control. This space will promote dignity, choice, and comfort at some of the most vulnerable moments in a person’s life.

A well‑designed sensory room will not only benefit patients—it will also support staff to use gentler, non‑restrictive approaches, strengthen therapeutic relationships, and help create a calmer, safer ward environment for everyone.

Your support can help us bring this vision to life and make a meaningful difference to women in crisis, the staff who care for them, and the wider community.