Book a space at Sutton Inclusion Centre

Our aqua therapy suite is an excellent way to relax, ease muscles and allow gentle exercise. The suite and pool include:

• step, hoist or chair access for full accessibility 
• pool temperature of around 32C to 34C for maximum muscle easing benefit
• gentle lighting above and below the water to add to the relaxing atmosphere

Changing rooms

There are accessible changing rooms on both sides of the pool area. They include:

• accessible showers and toilets
• a trolley bed changing room
• carer changing room space

There is also a staff changing area.

The pool can accommodate up to 3 people at any one time, plus carers.

Hoists

You can bring your own water hoist if you want to. We have a some that you can use, but we’re not able to offer advice on which would be suitable for your user. 

The maximum weight for a hoist is 200kg.

The benefits of aqua therapy

Aqua therapy is gentle exercise, stretches or physiotherapy in water. It can help those who find movement painful or difficult.

Buoyancy

Reducing the force of gravity on the body makes it easier to perform movements. The buoyancy of the water supports the limbs, removing pressure and weight on the body. 

It can also boost wellbeing, allowing the freedom of movement without assistance while supported in the water.

Temperature 

The water of the pool is kept between 32C and 34C (warmer than a normal swimming pool), allowing muscles and joints to become more relaxed and flexible. 

The warmth and buoyancy can also help reduce muscle spasms and pain. 

Water pressure (hydrostatic pressure) 

The pressure that water gently applies to the body can improve circulation and decrease blood pressure.

Sensory rooms are designed for those with physical or learning disabilities, complex needs, sensory impairments or mental health conditions. They can be used for:

• therapy
• education
• recreation 
• leisure 

There are 3 rooms to choose from.

They are all fully accessible, with H-frame hoists and use of beanbag pillows or wedges if necessary. 

All the rooms are fitted with an aromatherapy diffuser and a CD player, providing another level of sensory experience.

The light sensory room

The light room uses light and sound, creating a relaxed environment to both calm and stimulate.

Features include:

• musical heated waterbed
• colour changing bubble tube
• fibre optic lights
• a laser sky projector creating a twinkling starry effect
• rotating projector with a variety of image effects

The dark sensory room

A navy blue painted room, designed to be used with minimal or no room lighting. 

Dark sensory rooms are ideal for work with visual impairment through sensory integration therapy. This is the smallest of our sensory rooms, allowing close interaction between the user and member of staff, parent or carer accompanying them.

Features include:

• ultraviolet light and UV reactive equipment
• a fibre optic curtain
• an ‘infinity and beyond’ light panel
• a light totem which changes colours gently
• a music system that can be played to be heard in the room or through a media bean bag, allowing sound and vibrations to be felt by the user

The interactive sensory room

This room can be used for activity and for relaxation. It has open space, allowing a variety of games and movement based interactive play.

The room has objects in it that interact with each other, allowing for exploration of matching colours, body and special awareness. 

Mirrored panels of different sizes and shapes allow work with clients on body awareness, while a range of tactile panels can be wall mounted or used on laps.

Other features include:

• a talking soft play cube with brightly coloured sides
• 2 bubble tubes that can be used in conjunction with the play cube or alone
• a colour match panel
• a rotating projector with a variety of image effects to display on the walls
• a fibre optic curtain
• soft seating and padding around the bubble tubes
• convex mirror panels
• moveable tactile squares
• sound and movement panels
• rainmaker spinning panel

There are 2 art rooms for hire which can be opened into one large room.

The room holds up to 10 people, depending on the room set up. We provide some low cost equipment such as paints, brushes and paper. You can bring your own equipment if you prefer.