News

Seashell Trust has received nearly £4,000 to buy four high-tech 'huggy' chairs for its students with profound disabilities.

The donation was provided by The Discovery Foundation, supported by Santander UK, which offers grants to charities for projects that help disadvantaged people in local communities.

The Protac SenSit 'huggy' chairs use the theories of sensory integration. Pressure at trigger points from the chair's flexible plastic balls stimulates tactile, muscle and joint sensation.

The sensations have a soothing effect with greater bodily awareness and improved well-being.

Pressure from the chair wrapping round the body gives a sense of security and a good position to discourage mental and physical unrest.

Wendy Bray, fundraiser at Seashell Trust, said: “Our students live with a huge range of sensory disorders, learning and physical disabilities. Many spend long stretches of time in wheelchairs. Just being comfortable can be a struggle. Feeling relaxed and secure improves their quality of life: they are able to concentrate for longer periods, participate more fully in their lessons and enjoy socialising.”

A spokesperson from Santander said: “The Discovery Foundation makes hundreds of donations every year to good causes throughout the UK. We are committed to playing a key part in the community and we are delighted to be supporting Seashell Trust, and hope the donation makes a real difference to local people.”