Community Activities
We’re delighted to share that Berkshire Health Care in Slough has received funding through the E Sargeant & Son Community Fund to support its Calm Moments project.
Berkshire Health Care were awarded £1,000 for their Calm Moments project to provide 10 portable Sensory Distraction Boxes for frontline children’s community teams across Slough, supporting babies, children and young people receiving care through Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.
For many children, a routine healthcare appointment can be frightening. Blood tests, immunisations, wound care, developmental assessments and therapy sessions can cause significant anxiety and distress. Fear can lead to procedures taking longer, children refusing treatment, or requiring additional restraint or repeat appointments, leaving lasting negative memories of healthcare.
The Calm Moments project has been developed by frontline clinicians who see these challenges every day. Each portable box will contain carefully selected sensory and distraction resources, including fidget toys, tactile objects, visual distraction tools, breathing prompts and calming sensory aids. These simple, evidence-based resources help children focus on play rather than the procedure, giving them a greater sense of control while enabling staff to deliver care more calmly and compassionately.
The 10 boxes will be shared across children’s community services in Slough, including community paediatrics, health visiting, school nursing, immunisation services, children’s community nursing and therapy teams. The boxes are reusable and portable, so will be used repeatedly in clinics, schools, family homes and community settings, benefiting hundreds of children every year.
Applications for the final cycle of the E Sargeant & Son Community Fund have now closed. Keep an eye on our website and social media channels for further updates.