Worcester Snoezelen is an independent charity that offers specialist, multi-sensory leisure therapy for people of all ages with disabilities and additional needs.
History
Worcester Snoezelen was founded by Penny Brazier in 1993. The concept of using a multi-sensory environment to provide pleasurable and stimulating surroundings for people with learning disabilities originated in Holland, which is where the word ‘Snoezelen’ came from.
In 1990, Penny decided that Worcester should have its own multi-sensory centre so began the search for a suitable building and a major fundraising campaign. At the time, Manor Park Special School occupied the site on which Snoezelen now stands. The headteacher was enthusiastic at the prospect of an under-used groundsman shed being converted into a wonder, exciting place, full of learning experiences, not only for the children attending the school but also for the wider community.
In 1991, a steering committee was formed and a close partnership between the school and Snoezelen grew, which remained until the closure of the school in 2007. Worcester County Council Education Department agreed a £15,000 start-up grant which was match funded by SCOPE and so work to convert and equip the shed began.
Many local people and organisations supported the project, providing both funding and practical help. Most notable, Worcester Royal Grammar School, the Eveson Trust and Children in Need were among those who granted core funding and still support the charity today. Many other grants were forthcoming and in September 1993, the project was officially opened, providing a White Room, a Soft Play area, tactile corridor and small jacuzzi. During the first week, 35 people used the centre, but numbers rapidly grew as word spread and people came from increasing distances.
After the closure of Manor Park School, the site was brought by the University of Worcester and so an era of new opportunities began for the Snoezelen Centre, which continues to develop, and it is good to see many ex-pupils of Manor Park still enjoying its improved facilities into adulthood.
What does Snoezelen mean?
Named by two Dutch therapists in the 1970s, Snoezelen therapy is also known as Controlled Multisensory Environments, or MSE. The word Snoezelen itself originates from two Dutch terms: Snuffelen (to snuffle) and Doezelen (to doze). Snoezelen therapy is popular across Europe, and is particularly common in Germany, providing multisensory experiences for children and adults with autism, alongside other conditions. Snoezelen, or MSE, does not rely on verbal communication, making it the ideal choice to promote relaxation and offer stimulation to individuals beyond typical play centres or therapies.
- It would be cool to make the combination of these two words visual some how? I can look at making a graphic – Beth
Who is Snoezelen for?
Meet the Team
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