Making sense of our senses
Thank you to Naomi Graham , CEO of additional needs charity ‘ Growing Hope ’ ( www . growinghope . org . uk ), for sharing your expertise with us all during May ’ s online event on ‘ Sensory Processing & Church Accessibility ’.
Naomi explained that Growing Hope works with children with additional needs . She shared how we all like to start the day with a sense of calm . However , people with additional needs may find it difficult to find the calm they need , as they may struggle to process the input from their senses .
Naomi used stories from the Bible and her own experience to explain how God speaks through each of 8 senses – the usual five , plus balance , body awareness , and internal sense – including our sense of God .
She emphasised the importance of understanding each person ’ s sensory experience – including children with additional needs in the church – and seeing everyone as Jesus sees them .
Naomi got participants to try sensory experiments , such as writing a sentence without your feet touching the floor ; these brought alive how much our senses affect us . She explained how particular sensory experiences can be calming or alerting – such as loud or quiet noises , and geometric or irregular patterns . But Naomi explained it ’ s important to ask each individual what helps them – she shared an ‘ about me ’ form , that people can fill in with their sensory preferences – such as whether they need a quiet space , or struggle to sit still .
We heard how the senses can be used to enhance worship – including the huge boost to concentration created by movement , through ‘ body awareness ’; as well as the importance of using images and objects as well as words , to help everyone understand .
During the discussion time , people showed enthusiasm about using sensory experiences within their churches ,
Catch Naomi ' s talk at youtube . com / TTRChangesLives
and raised questions which Naomi answered later . A poll of those present showed great support for disability inclusion in church , but there is a great need for sensory strategy resources , with 80 % asking for these .
Naomi suggested simple tips for churches , including quick wins such as providing ear defenders and pipe cleaners as simple fidget toys . She explained how vital church support can be for families and children with additional needs , including the strong link between trauma and sensory processing issues , with movement and physical activity helping heal and calm .
So it is important that we educate the church not to judge people for using fidget toys or moving around . Growing Hope provide free therapy to children with additional needs , as well as supporting parents , carers and siblings . You can read the story of Growing Hope in Naomi ’ s blog at www . growinghope . org . uk / growing-hope-our-storyso-far /
Brenda Murray , one of our new Regional Roofbreaker Co-ordinators who helped facilitate the event , said “ We look forward to making connections with all those who attended to ensure people have the resources so everyone can be part of God ’ s family .”
You can find a video of Naomi ’ s talk , plus answers to some extra questions at our YouYube channel , www . youtube . com / TTRChangesLives www . throughtheroof . org