About Us
The Sensory Den is a small family-run business based in Sheriff Hutton, near York founded by husband and wife team Lexi and Doug in 2024. We created The Sensory Den because we saw how difficult it was for families and individuals with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to access sensory resources locally. Many were travelling long distances and spending a lot of time and money just to use sensory facilities. We knew there had to be a better way! Inspired by the amazing benefits sensory spaces can have for health and wellbeing, we wanted to create something local, flexible, and affordable. Our goal is to provide a safe, welcoming space where SEND individuals and their families can relax, engage, and have fun without barriers. We value the diversity of individual learning styles as an important part of our development and believe everyone has the right to experience play in a calm, secure and relaxed environment.
We want to work within your needs and requirements so if you need to hire the sensory equipment for a day at home, no problem! If you wish to use it at your child's birthday party at your local village hall, we can make that happen! Have a look through the options we provide and if it doesn't quite fit what you are looking for, please get in touch to create your bespoke package,
Who We Are
The Sensory Den is run by Lexi and Doug, both qualified social workers who met at York University in 2009. They became engaged the year they graduated and married the following year. They now have three children in primary school, making for a bustling household.
Since 2007, Doug has been dedicated to the care industry, beginning with support for adults with Down Syndrome. Later they worked together for Shared Lives, providing respite in their home for families of young adults with learning disabilities.
Doug currently assists adults with Autism and challenging behaviours. Lexi has extensive experience working with homeless teenagers and is in training to become a certified counsellor, alongside her role at a charity aiding survivors of sexual abuse.
At The Sensory Den, we’ve seen firsthand the profound impact a well-designed sensory room can have on individuals with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Unfortunately, access to such vital facilities remains limited, leaving many without the support they need. We’ve also noticed that not all services promoting inclusivity truly cater to those with complex sensory challenges.
Our mission is to bridge this gap by bringing sensory experiences directly to the heart of communities through our pop-up sensory rooms. This flexible approach ensures that individuals don’t have to travel far or rely solely on accessing sensory facilities at special schools during school hours or terms. Our pop-up sensory spaces provide a calming, therapeutic environment wherever it’s needed, offering an accessible solution for families, carers, and organisations.
In addition to our sensory spaces, we’re passionate about promoting understanding and inclusion through events, education, and innovative sensory solutions like our Sensory Den in a Box. Together, we’re building a world where sensory wellbeing is accessible to all.
What is a Sensory Room
For those who don't know much about what a sensory room is, they are a space designed to help any individuals with sensory differences. They are usually a set up with a variety of sensory items such as bubble tubes, projectors and vibrating cushions. It helps people to self-regulate as well as develop coping mechanisms. At The Sensory Den, we know that sensory play is essential for a child's growth and development. Our sensory room is designed to provide a range of experiences that promote sensory processing, which can benefit children, young people and adults with SEND. The benefits of sensory rooms are well established, and our team is dedicated to providing access to a fun and safe space to learn and grow through play.
Pop-up Sensory Den
The majority of sensory rooms are permanent fixtures within a community centre or school. They are not always accessible to the people who need them. So, if you need a space that helps reduce feelings of stress, lowers anxiety and agitation and brings an improved sense of calm, we will bring a 'pop-up' sensory room into your home or community enabling adults and children to access these important multi-sensory facilities more easily.
Party and Private Hire
Some individuals may struggle with the noise and stimulation of standard parties so we aim to find a solution by bringing the sensory equipment to you; hiring out specialist sensory equipment at a venue of your choosing.
Corporate Hire
Having a static sensory room can be expensive, time consuming and take up valuable space.
Our unique pop-up sensory environment can be tailored to suit your needs. It can be hired when you need it and taken down again when you don’t.
Where a full room is not required or space is at a premium our pop up is perfect.
Testimonials
