Across the country there are many people who live with various cognitive difficulties. From autism to acquired brain injuries, dementia to various other impairments. They make us see and experience things differently and in some cases need to be treated more delicately.
In many centres and for professionals providing support, engaging the senses is an important part of therapy for people in a brain injury care facility or care home. For family and friends it’s also useful to provide that to loved ones, and trips away can be a great way to make memories along the way, providing it’s a comfortable experience.
And, in the UK, there are few sensory experiences quite like a trip to Brighton. For anyone with cognitive difficulties being taken to the south coast city, here’s exactly how you satisfy the senses over a day trip or long weekend…
The Aroma of Street Food at The Lanes
The Lanes is one of the go-to spots in Brighton and the smells that come from it can’t help but make the mouth water. From the street food and vendors around to the many restaurants offering cuisine from all four corners of the world, you can’t help but find a smell that you love.
It really tantalises the taste buds and actually for people with sight problems it can give you a real sense of the vibrancy of the town.
The Sound of Seagulls at Brighton Pier
Head over to Brighton Pier and you get the sound and vision of the quintessential British seaside town. The rhythmic sound of the waves, the chatter and sounds of arcade games and, of course, the seagulls can bring a real sense of nostalgia and be a particularly triggering moment for people who are living with dementia.
Whoever you’re with though, it can be a beautiful period of time to walk along the pier or shoreline, close your eyes, take a deep breath and enjoy the serenity that it offers.
The Sight of Street Art in North Laine
Brighton has always been a creative hub of artistic expression and the centre of that is on North Laine. The bohemian district can really ignite the imagination and discussing each of the murals and street art can be a really sensory and enjoyable experience.
People who are more visual can really immerse themselves in the street and it can unlock a variety of emotions, memories and thoughts, proving to be a useful way to spend time with a loved one.
The Taste of Freshly Shucked Oysters at Brighton Seafront
Not one for everyone, but for seafood lovers there really is no better place to taste it than by the sea. Freshly shucked oysters are a taste sensation and what much of the south coast is renowned for. There are stalls selling them or you could head to some of the more renowned seafood restaurants.
Of course, if that isn’t for you, then the perfect alternative is fish and chips!
The Feel of Pebbles Beneath Your Feet at Brighton Beach
Finally, no trip and complete sensory experience to Brighton is complete without the touch of the famous Brighton beach pebbles on the toes.
Whether you’re dipping your feet in the sea or taking a stroll further up, feeling your toes sink into the pebble beach really is a glorious experience, particularly when you combine much of the above, making it a sensory memory you and your loved ones will never forget.
Of course, there’s much more that Brighton offers too, from great views to the music scene. But it’s all about finding comfortable sensory experiences for your loved ones. Either way, you’ll certainly find them.
