Little Heroes, in collaboration with the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust Psychological Services, is proud to announce the installation of a Cubbie, a world-class personalised sensory wellbeing solution, at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children
This vital addition to the hospital has been made possible through a generous donation from the management and employees of Davy Private Clients UK, whose support has fully funded the acquisition and installation of the Cubbie for the benefit of young patients.
The Cubbie is a data-driven “sensory portrait” system designed to help patients regulate their emotions and sensory intake in under 10 minutes. While designed with neurodivergent children and young people in mind, this immersive space is a vital resource for anyone who may feel overwhelmed by the hospital environment.
“Illness, pain, interacting with unfamiliar people in scary and busy environments is stressful for all of us and particularly for children, young people and their families. Many healthcare encounters can involve difficult, invasive and at times painful procedures which can cause distress and trauma, whilst seeking to support health and wellbeing.
Many children, young people and families are managing additional sensory and disability needs including neurodiversity which can further exacerbate those normal experiences of stress and distress.”
Our aim across RBHSC is to minimise upset and support children and young people to get maximum benefits from their healthcare experiences, supporting parents in supporting their children, and reducing family stress and trauma also.”says Dr Elaine Klewchuk, Consultant Clinical Psychologist at the RBHSC
What the Cubbie Brings to RBHSC:
- Speed & Efficiency: Provides effective support that helps users regulate in approximately 10 minutes.
- Personalised Experience: Using a unique “Sensory Portrait,” the Cubbie adapts its lighting, sound, and visuals to the individual’s specific needs at that moment.
- Stress Reduction: A dedicated safe space to reduce anxiety, allowing patients to feel calm, comfortable, and ready to join in again.
- Consistency: Delivering the same high-quality support found in top-tier healthcare and educational settings worldwide.
How it Works: The Cubbie begins as a “blank space” that transforms based on the user. It creates an immersive, personalised experience through curated sensory outputs, helping to bridge the gap between feeling overwhelmed and feeling safe.
We know that supporting children and young people to feel more emotionally regulated, remain as relaxed and calm as possible in their healthcare investigations allows for better healthcare assessments and outcomes.”
The Cubbie pod offers an accessible, child-centred intervention that will help our young patients feel settled, grounded and hopefully increase their feelings of safety to engage with the staff. It’s a meaningful step forward in creating a truly trauma-informed, neuroinclusive space, and an important addition to a modern children’s healthcare environment.” says Dr Elaine Klewchuk, Consultant Clinical Psychologist at the RBHSC