In April, LET’S hosted a week-long low sensory space at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) during the university’s exam week. LET’S was approached to host a low sensory space at KPU by a faculty member who stated “With so much stress anxiety and other mental health issues on the rise combined with high wait times for counselling I believe your space is so very much needed.”
Prior to the low sensory space being set up, information was shared with staff. Responses included:
“This is fabulous! Thanks for sharing, and for helping organize this. Great to see this happening at KPU.”
“This is super cool!”
“This news brought tears to my eyes. What a terrific initiative! I will send this news off to my students.”
“This is great, thank you so much! If you have a social media sharable version of this, please let us know and we can share on our Insta.”
“That is excellent… My child …could have used something like this.”
LET’s filled the room with stim toys, stuffies, markers, crayons, colouring pages, books, and posters adorned with positive messages to create an inviting space where people can go to relax, de-escalate, be safe, and regulate themselves.
LET’s was visited by students – and a few curious security guards. More than half of the students stayed more than an hour, with several staying over 2 hours. There were also students who came multiple days. One day, our host held space for 3 students who were dealing with heavy issues.
During the seven-day exam period, over one hundred students visited the room often returning a second time bringing additional guests. During the first day, one student told LET’s staff the following:
‘I studied eight hours; slept four hours, and just took my exam. This room is exactly what I needed now. Thank you, Thank you.”
One host said, “Everyone who came in looked around in bewilderment. It looks so great!”
Overall the space was very well received and working with the university was a positive experience. LET’S is interested in offering low/reduced sensory spaces to other colleges and universities in the future.