As part of our commitment to student wellbeing and inclusion, Emmanuel College is proud to unveil a new sensory space dedicated to helping students manage stress, regulate emotions, and find moments of calm in the busyness of college life.
Sensory spaces are designed to support self-regulation by gently engaging the senses through calming textures, soothing lighting, and sensory tools. While often created with neurodivergent individuals in mind, Emmanuel’s sensory space is for any student who is seeking quiet refuge or feeling overwhelmed
The creation of the sensory room aligns closely with the College’s Wellbeing Strategy and Strategic Directions Statement, reinforcing our vision of an inclusive, supportive residential community where every student feels they belong.
The room will operate with a few simple guidelines, including no eating or drinking, no studying, and a shared commitment to keeping the space quiet and respectful. These boundaries ensure the space remains a haven for calm, focus, and emotional reset.
With increasing awareness of the importance of mental health and neurodiversity in residential education settings, the sensory room is part of a broader movement toward creating environments that meet a wide range of needs. The room’s 24-hour availability also supports students who operate on varying schedules, helping to reduce anxiety about access.
“This space is about recognising that wellbeing doesn’t look the same for everyone, but there are strategies and tools that can benefit a range of mental health pressures. Our goal is to support students to understand their own wellbeing and develop strategies that work for them through regular educations programs, skill sessions and now a physical space to support healthy wellbeing” said Louise Dowling, Director of Wellbeing. “By offering a calm, regulating and quiet space, we’re helping students feel safe and supported in managing their wellbeing, whether they’re neurodivergent or simply in need of a quiet moment. Our goal is to supports all our students to meaningfully engage and feel safe here in a way that encourages them to realise their full potential”
