WeeklySA_AdminSPECIALISED: A first-of-its-kind facility is bringing much-needed neurodiversity support to one of Johannesburg’s underserved communities, using innovation, recycled materials and community partnership…
By Jacob Mawela
Afrika Tikkun has launched a pioneering sensory therapy space in Orange Farm, marking a significant step towards improving access to mental health and neurodiversity support in underserved communities.
The facility, unveiled on April 15 at the organisation’s Arekopaneng Centre, is designed to provide therapeutic experiences for children and adults living with conditions such as autism, ADHD and trauma — services that are often limited to specialised and costly centres.
Developed in partnership with Sensory-Space, the initiative introduces an innovative, low-cost model aimed at bridging gaps in care.
At the heart of the project is a repurposed shipping container transformed into a fully functional sensory room using recycled materials. Inside, users can engage in a range of activities designed to stimulate and regulate sensory responses — from immersive ball ponds to calming weighted blankets and interactive play sessions.
The concept was developed by social anthropologist and neurodiversity specialist Dr Dee Blackie, who emphasised the importance of play in development.
“Play is the best way to learn,” Blackie said, describing the space as both therapeutic and exploratory.
The design intentionally connects external sensory experiences with internal bodily awareness, helping users better understand and regulate their emotional and physical responses — a critical component in mental health support.
The launch comes at a time when access to such services remains limited. According to figures shared during the event, an estimated 7.6 million South Africans are living with mental health conditions, highlighting the urgent need for accessible interventions.
Afrika Tikkun’s Disability Inclusion Project Lead for Inclusive Education, Tegan White, said the facility will play a crucial role in child development.
“These spaces help children reduce stress, improve self-regulation, build focus, and develop the motor and cognitive skills that underpin all learning,” she said.
Programme Lead Lana Roy described the initiative as a milestone in addressing inequality in access to care.
“Bringing a therapeutic sensory facility into impoverished communities where children don’t have access to these spaces is a first,” Roy said. “Our work demonstrates how partnerships can drive sustainable and lasting impact.”
Importantly, the project was built with the involvement of the local community, reinforcing a sense of ownership and long-term sustainability.
Afrika Tikkun, which has spent more than three decades supporting children and youth across South Africa, says the sensory space forms part of its broader mission to drive innovation, inclusion and practical community empowerment.
By introducing a cost-effective, community-driven model, the organisation hopes to expand access to essential therapeutic services — ensuring that support for neurodiverse individuals is no longer a privilege, but a possibility for all.
