Celebrating the new Vanier Sensory Room

Recently, representatives from the Sifton Family Foundation attended the grand opening of the Sensory Playroom at Vanier Children’s Mental Wellness. Fully funded with a $50,000 grant from Sifton Family Foundation the sensory room helps foster the therapeutic relationship between providers and clients. Research shows that sensory play is extremely beneficial and effective in calming children who are experiencing mental health stressors and anxiety. It gives children the opportunity for hands-on exploration of the sensory equipment and allows them to be creative in a safe space.

“My favourite thing to do is sit in the blue rocking chair and have the roller coaster video playing. I feel like I’m on a real roller coaster, and this makes me feel happy,” said one of the children.

Vanier Children’s Mental Wellness is a charitable organization that offers assessment and treatment for children, youth, and their families to support their challenges and promote wellness. Vanier offers support such as family therapy, live-in treatment, and respite services. For almost 60 years, Vanier has served London and surrounding communities in southwestern Ontario with compassionate, best-practice, and innovative programs and services.