New sensory study room opens for healthcare students in Cornwall

Inclusive sensory study room at the Knowledge Spa in Truro is also open to local healthcare partners

New sensory study room opens for healthcare students in Cornwall

Inclusive sensory study room at the Knowledge Spa in Truro is also open to local healthcare partners

17 November 2025

A new sensory study room has opened in Cornwall to support students as they pursue their healthcare careers.

The room at the Knowledge Spa in Truro was led by the University of Plymouth – which runs its Truro School of Nursing on the site.

Visit the room

Come along to the Truro School of Nursing Open Day on 22 November

Located in the library, the room contains items including a weighted blanket, coloured lights, fidget toys and books of positive affirmations. Set up by Sinead Blowers, Subject Librarian at Cornwall Health Library, and Ally James, Lecturer in Adult Nursing, the bookable space is designed to support those students whose learning benefits from sensory support, while providing a calm environment for anyone wanting to study and research.

Estimates suggest between 15% and 20% of UK adults are neurodivergent – and around 19.5% of UK-domiciled undergraduate students at the University of Plymouth are neurodivergent or have a disability. Sensory rooms are proven to support self-regulation, help manage emotional wellbeing and enhance focus and concentration.

Students with neurodiversities make exceptional nurses in the way that they care for people.

I’m really interested in how all of our students learn, and want to ensure that they are fully supported throughout their journey with us. We are so pleased that a small idea that came as part of our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion disability sub-committee group became a big reality, and it’s great to see the space finally in use.

The room is open to all partners that use the Knowledge Spa, including students from our Peninsula Dental School. But it is really indicative of the rich and inclusive learning environment we are so proud of here at the University of Plymouth’s Truro School of Nursing.

Miss Ally James
Lecturer in Nursing

This collaborative sensory study room project between Cornwall Health Library and the University of Plymouth has really strengthened our academic relationship.

It's demonstrated Cornwall NHS's commitment to creating inclusive spaces for staff and students to grow and thrive, which we're really proud of.

Sinead Blowers, Subject Librarian at Cornwall Health Library

It’s vital that we recognise and respond to the diverse needs of our students with neurodiversities.

I am so grateful of the hard work that my colleagues from the Truro School of Nursing alongside the Cornwall Health Library have put into setting up the Sensory Study Room. It provides a calm, inclusive space that supports focus, comfort and wellbeing — ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed.

Mr Tristan Coombe
Lecturer in Adult Nursing and site lead for the Truro School of Nursing

What our students say

The room was opened at a small ceremony, with students Leon Witton, Chloe Sieley and Lucy Allen cutting the ribbon.

I first knew I learnt or saw things differently when I couldn’t read green pen on a whiteboard. During my second year of study I felt empowered to speak up and seek help, and since then, following diagnosis, I’ve been able to thrive with support from my lecturers.

I can see myself using this room quite often for lots of different things, and even just being in the space gives you permission to breathe and focus.

The nursing programme here has been great, with huge amounts of variety, exceptional teaching and a strong structure. As someone who enjoys structure and routine, after graduating next year I’m hoping to go into the RAF.

Third-year nursing student Chloe, who has dyslexia and dyspraxia

I have ADHD myself, as well as family members who are neurodivergent, so the more I can learn and do to support them, the better.

This space is definitely somewhere I can see myself having some focus time with a study group, and it’s great to have it as a bookable space.

Leon Witton from Summercourt, who is in his first of a four-year Adult and Mental Health Nursing masters programme after moving down from Birmingham

I want to work in emergency care when I graduate – and you meet an incredible variety of people in that setting.

It’s great to see the University put emphasis on supporting and learning about neurodiversity, as the more we understand it, the better we’ll be able to care for all of our patients, whatever their needs.

Lucy Allen from Falmouth, in her fourth year of an Adult Health Nursing masters degree

This room is a really important gesture from the staff at the University of Plymouth as it shows they really listen and care about us all.

The Knowledge Spa is a busy place, so to have a study room with these additional extras is a wonderful thing.

Louise Boniface, student representative for the nursing course

More information

Study Adult Nursing with us

Truro School of Nursing at the Knowledge Spa