Andy's Room at Oxford Head Injury Services

Andy’s Room is a purpose-designed sensory room within the rehabilitation centre at Oxford Head Injury Services (OHIS).

Funded by Play2Give at over £5,000, thanks to community-wide efforts, events and activities, the creation of this special space, at Kennington’s brain injury centre, is designed to reduce neurological stress, promote emotional wellbeing and provide  calm and comfort and tranquility of relaxation for brain injury service users, and carers.

A special tribute from Oxford Head Injury Services

By late 2024, our tireless support for Oxfordshire’s brain injury charity across a decade resulted in over £32,000 raised, alongside even more thousands worth in the value of gifts from art materials to board and interactive games. 

As a thank you and as a tribute to Andy Baker, this special room of purpose has been created and we are delighted to have sponsored the creation of a sensory room, within the bustle of the lively activity and rehabilitation centre, transforming what was previously an uninspiring tired and dull room into an area of relaxation and calm.

And, the thank you goes one step further – as Andy who has attended the Kennington-based centre since 2012 for his own ongoing rehabilitation and support, has seen the room named after him.

Now, thanks to our incredible support, our legacy funding sees Andy’s Room which was formally opened with a special ribbon cutting, tea and fizz at the end of January 2026.

A decade of numerous football tournaments, gala black-tie balls, fun days and party on the parks, danceathons, talent shows, bingo nights and quiz nights, sponsored walks and colour runs, skydives to head shaves, raffles, tombolas, cake sales and more, over £5,000 helped to create this very special space, proudly sponsored by our charity.

BBC Oxford joined us and recorded during the occasion. Listen here to the broadcast from Adam Ball’s show on 2nd February

Media Coverage:

Play2Give’s impact will long live on for a lifetime

Andy’s Room is a therapeutic space helping to minimise sensory overload, encouraging relaxation and emotional regulation and a sense of calm and quiet reflection for service users, and a space that can also be used by carers to take a pause and aid their own emotional wellbeing.

The sensory room, with walls painted in colour chosen by Andy, provides a relaxing and enjoyable space for service users, carers, and staff to unwind in. Andy’s Room includes all-purpose sensory features, and is designed to be accessible to all including for wheelchair users, and is full of lots of elements including interactive elements.

Music, yoga, speech therapy, aromatherapy and quiet times

It will also be used for 1:1 consultations and counselling, occupational therapy and speech therapy sessions, music therapy and for seated yoga and for aromatherapy sessions, as well as general chill-out time for staff to enjoy.

Equipment inside the room, with input from Andy, includes a bubble tube, scented diffuser for sense and smell, projector and calming and mood lighting. Nature plays a part with faux plants and there are immersive elements including sensory liquid floor tiles and sensory interactive lighting, as well as mindfulness resources.  Weighted blankets, fidget toys and other tactile comforts from cuddle cocoons and cushions are available, alongside soft furnishings and infinity mirrors.

It is filled with comfortable seating including high back bean bags, sofa and armchairs for a homely feel, as well as musical and percussion instruments including a guitar, bongos, percussions and tambourines.

Thank you

A special thank you goes to all of our team of volunteers who work tirelessly day in, day out and all of our supporters and the community who have contributed to our  fundraising to help make this sensory room possible.

Now, we will continue to keep the room equipped and updated with additions, replacements of tired furnishings or added extras over the years to come, where donations can be made online through our dedicated Andy’s Room Justgiving page. Donate to Andy’s Room Fund

The official opening was held on January 29th 2026, and attended by the Mayor of Didcot, Lord Mayor of Oxford and the Chair of Oxfordshire County Council, with Andy doing the honours with the ribbon cutting ceremony, with supporters, friends and family, fellow service users and OHIS staff joining in the celebrations.

Michelle Koukoullis, CEO at Oxford Head Injury Services, said: “Seeing Andy’s vision come to life has been incredibly moving. As CEO, I’m proud of what this represents: collaboration, compassion and a deep understanding of the needs of people living with a brain injury. Andy’s Room will be a lasting legacy of kindness, and we are so thankful to everyone who helped make it possible.”

Matilda Badham, Marketing and Communications Manager, said: “Andy’s dedication, compassion and unwavering commitment to making a difference to others, particularly through organisations that have supported him on his own recovery journey, is inspiring. “He has turned his experiences into a powerful force for kindness that will be felt across many communities for years to come.

“A sensory room is an important addition to our activity and rehabilitation centre and strengthens our commitment to holistic rehabilitation and recovery, helping us make the greatest possible difference in the lives of people who have experienced brain injury.”

“Naming the room after Andy felt like the most fitting way to recognise his generous donation and the impact he has at Oxford Head Injury Services.

“We are grateful to Play2Give for helping us bring the sensory room space to life.”

Donate to Andy’s Room Fund

All funds raised online will be used to keep our sponsored sensory room equipped and maintained over the years with any added extras, upgrade or replace tired items