Discovering The Mead Centre Sensory Room
Sometimes, the best experiences are right on our doorstep, just waiting to be discovered! Recently, we found a wonderful opportunity at The Mead Centre Sensory Room in Newport Pagnell. This fantastic amenity caters to individuals of all ages, providing a safe and calming environment designed to stimulate the senses.
As a care provider supporting individuals with Autism, Learning Disabilities, Mental Health difficulties, Acquired Brain Injuries, and other conditions where a sensory-rich approach is beneficial, we felt this was an excellent local resource that needed to be explored!
Where is The Mead Centre?
The Mead Centre is situated on the high street in Newport Pagnell, accessible through an archway (next to the Co-op), that leads to the United Reformed Church. It serves as “a welcoming space for individuals, clubs, families, businesses and other community groups. It’s an ideal place for the community to meet, celebrate, learn, grow, share, and make a difference. The building has been designed to be accessible to all members of the community, in a way that transforms lives and enriches society.”
The Mead Centre Sensory Room – how much does it cost?
The sensory room can be booked for a one-hour time slot, with prices starting at £10 for the entire session (not per person). The room can accommodate 1 to 8 people at a time, making it suitable for families or allowing individuals to be supported by professionals during their visit.
Our experience
Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted by Nikki, who was incredibly friendly and welcoming. She had also been very patient upon trying to book the room for a day/time that suited us, and was extremely accommodating when I had to change the day due to other commitments. Nikki showed us around the sensory room, explaining how to use the equipment and the various toys and resources available.
Stepping into the sensory room, I was immediately struck by its serene atmosphere. The soft lighting, calming sea creature projections, and a variety of equipment that invited exploration and relaxation. The room is designed to engage the senses in a safe and controlled environment, making it ideal for individuals with sensory processing challenges, anxiety, or autism spectrum conditions.
The sensory room itself was spotlessly clean and well-maintained. I was extremely impressed as there had clearly been a lot of time and thought that went into creating the space and selecting the equipment. My two-year-old particularly loved the bubble tube, which not only changed colours and produced bubbles but also vibrated gently when touched, providing tactile and visual stimulation. He also enjoyed the light box that responded to sound; the louder the noise, the brighter the lights, which suited my toddler with vocal stims extremely well!
The lighting and heat in the room were adjustable to suit the needs of users. One of the light boxes had knobs to control brightness and sensitivity. There was a padded corner bench for comfortable and safe seating, providing ample space for carers or support workers as well. My personal favourite was the padded therapy chair, which lightly compressed the user and could be gently rocked. I wouldn’t be surprised if some visitors relaxed and fell asleep in that chair, as it was extremely soothing in combination with the overall calming environment!
Other features of the sensory room include:
- A wheel set with a projector
- Fibre optic tail lights
- Sensory liquid floor tiles
- Soft wall pads which can activate sounds
- A collection of interactive items stored in accessible boxes
- A soft floor mat
- A tactile and musical wall panel
- An electric hoist that goes around the room (you will need your own sling)
- A purpose-built changing room (upstairs accessible via lift) with a full-size changing bed and shower facility
We also tested various interactive items in the storage boxes, including tactile stepping stones, a weighted blanket, and an assortment of fidget toys. There were sensory cushions, materials, musical instruments, and much more!
Are there any rules to be aware of?
Visitors are asked to leave shoes outside the room, with pegs provided for hanging coats and bags. Nikki explained that there is a no food or drink policy in the sensory room (which is completely understandable), but we were welcome to use the tables and chairs at the entrance of The Mead Centre for snack or drink breaks. Additionally, there are toilets downstairs near the sensory room, including an accessible option.
Would we recommend a visit?
Our trip to the Mead Centre Sensory Room in Newport Pagnell was a wonderful experience, and we felt very fortunate to have discovered such a fantastic local resource that we were previously unaware of. The thoughtfully designed space provided a unique environment where we could explore and engage with a variety of sensory stimuli. From the calming lights and soothing sounds to the tactile materials, each element contributed to an atmosphere of relaxation and discovery.
We are excited to share our insights and encourage others to visit and support this local community facility. If you’re looking for a place to unwind, explore, and connect with your senses, the Mead Centre Sensory Room is definitely worth a visit!
If you are looking to book the sensory room at The Mead Centre you can visit their website, call them on 01908 739716 for further information, or email