The Coborn Centre for Adolescent Mental Health, which is based in Newham University Hospital, provides a service for young people aged between 12 and 18 years old who have experienced significant emotional and/or mental distress. It is mixed gender, and provides a service to young people from the City of London, Hackney, Tower Hamlets and Newham.
The Centre has refurbished its sensory offerings, to ensure that children and young people in Newham and across the ELFT catchment area can connect with their surroundings, learn about their own needs and grow into happy and healthy young adults.
‘Sensory’ refers to the ways in which the human body takes in information from its senses. Each day, our senses collect information about the world around us and transmit this to our brain. In short, it tells us what is happening, to enable us to decide how to act.
The new sensory room supports service users to engage effectively with their various senses, as well as carers, parents and guardians as they look to connect with them through ‘sensory play’.
To commemorate the beginning of the now fully operational sensory room, Mayor of Newham Rokhsana Fiaz OBE attended the official grand opening, cutting the ribbon and meeting with staff at the Coborn Centre.
Prior to the big unveiling, the Mayor was given an introductory talk about the work undertaken at the Coborn Centre by occupational therapists, the site’s Lead Nurse, Richard Vivian, and Dr Ravi Patel, who is the Associate Clinical Director.
Accompanied by local councillors Neil Wilson and Sarah Ruiz, Mayor Fiaz was provided a tour of the site by People Participation Worker Omrah Zaman and one of the site’s service users.
Mayor of Newham, Rokhsana Fiaz OBE, said: “The opening of the Coborn Centre's sensory room is more than a milestone; it's a testament to our collective commitment to the wellbeing of Newham's youth. In the face of rising mental health challenges, this space represents not just a haven for emotional regulation, but a symbol of resilience and dedication to our community's future. Together, we stand united, acknowledging the complexities our adolescents face and actively working towards innovative solutions.
“The Coborn Centre is not merely a facility; it's a beacon of hope, embracing inclusivity and collaborative care. As we navigate the intricate landscape of mental health, let us remember that our journey doesn't end within these walls. It extends into the community, echoing our shared responsibility for a Newham where mental health is a top priority. I would like to thank everyone who has been a part of this compassionate and healing journey."
Graham Manyere, who coordinated the unveiling and is the Deputy Lead Nurse at the Coborn Centre, added: “I would like to thank Mayor Fiaz for her generous and kind words about the work of staff at our site and across Newham. I know how hard everybody has worked to ensure this day could happen, and we couldn’t be happier with how it has gone.
“Our new sensory room will offer another brilliant way that we can continue supporting our service users with their recovery.”